![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_JRP_MEN_241025_building_002JPG.jpg\")
The scaffolding fell away from the building(Image: Jason Roberts \/Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\nThe building, Alberton House off Bridge Street, is understood to have been scheduled for demolition but part of it collapsed this afternoon, with scaffolding crashing into the River IrwellThe scaffolding fell away from the building(Image: Jason Roberts \/Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n
Witnesses have spoken of their shock after part of a building being demolished collapsed in Manchester city centre<\/a> – describing how they initially thought it was an earthquake.<\/p>\n The building, Alberton House off Bridge Street, is understood to have been scheduled for demolition. Part of it collapsed this afternoon (Friday) <\/a>with scaffolding sent crashing into the River Irwell.<\/p>\n One person who works nearby said there was a ‘strong earthquake like feeling’ and that surrounding buildings were evacuated, with firefighters at the scene.<\/p>\n Another witness added: \u201cWe were shaking and we didn\u2019t know if the building was coming down, then we saw the plumes of dust.”<\/p>\n Join the Manchester Evening News <\/strong>WhatsApp<\/strong> group <\/strong>HERE<\/a><\/p>\n George Jones, founder and owner of Cardinal House next door to the collapsed building, told the M.E.N: “We’ve had to evacuate, about 500 people have had to go for the day, I\u2019ve got multiple businesses in here. We were aware of the renovations for sometime, but never been told that we would be in fear of safety or need to evacuate.<\/p>\n “It felt and sounded like an earthquake. People have left because they don\u2019t feel safe. When we went around afterwards to speak to the workmen and they told us to evacuate the building.<\/p>\n “The scaffolding fell in the river and building was moving. I bought his building and turned it into a business centre a couple of years ago. When I went outside it looked like all smoke.”<\/p>\n Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a scaffolding collapse. The building was being demolished at the time.<\/p>\n There have been no reports of any injuries. The fire service has now left the scene.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_JRP_MEN_241025_building_003JPG.jpg\")
The damaged scaffolding(Image: Jason Roberts \/Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n