A tragic death occurred yesterday on the construction site of a £250 million mansion at 20 Grosvenor Square. According to reports in the Daily Mail, a mini digger fell from the second floor to the first, killing one worker and injuring another.
While work was suspended, Declan Sherry, chief executive of site contractor McGee, said:
‘It is with deepest regret that we advise that, following a serious incident yesterday afternoon on the 20 Grosvenor Square site, tragically one worker has suffered a fatal accident. Another worker suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital but was later discharged.
‘Work on site has been suspended and we are of course working closely with the investigating authorities to ensure that a full inquiry is conducted into this tragic incident.
‘Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with both families and friends at this difficult time.’
The Daily Mail quoted an unnamed workman saying the deceased was from Lithuania but further details currently remain vague.
The incident caused widespread disruption in the Mayfair area. The BBC reported the London Air Ambulance was called after a floor gave way allowing a mini digger to fall down, leading to the fatality.
The former US Navy Headquarters, adjacent to the US embassy, is currently being developed into luxury flats following a purchase by Abu Dhabi Investment Corporation and Finchatton last year.
A UK property development and investment expert, who spoke to Spear’s, was reluctant to look beyond the possibility of such a death being anything other than a tragic accident: ‘Not for a minute do I think it’s related to pressure from above; it’s so high-profile it wouldn’t be worth it for anyone to do that, especially not in Grosvenor Square. Onsite health and safety in the UK is very good.’