St Ives stairway collapse at block of flats leaves multiple people seriously injured

Several people have suffered severe injuries after an external staircase gave way at a residential building in St Ives this evening.

Emergency crews raced to a property on Carthew Terrace at approximately 7pm on Sunday following reports of the devastating incident.

Multiple casualties have been reported following the structural failure, with one victim requiring urgent airlift to Derriford Hospital , reports Cornwall Live.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, whilst Devon and Cornwall Police are providing support at the scene.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "At about 7pm this evening fire and ambulance attended a property on Carthew Terrace to report of an external stairway collapse."

"There have been significant injuries, one person has been airlifted to Derriford Hospital.

"At this time police are attending to support the investigation on behalf of the health and safety executive and there are scene closures in place at Carthew Terrace. There is no wider risk to the public."