Crane collapse at Smethwick hospital building site

West Midlands Fire Service said it appeared the crane was being dismantled when it fell

A crane has collapsed on to a building at a hospital construction site.

A 20m section fell on the flat roof of a building at Smethwick's Midland Metropolitan Hospital at 11:40 BST.

West Midlands Fire Service said it appeared the crane was being dismantled when it fell but no-one had been hurt and there was minimal damage.

A hospital trust spokesman said the collapse would be thoroughly investigated and the Health and Safety Executive had been informed.

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Alan Kenny, director of estates and new hospitals at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: "We were informed immediately of this incident and notified that no-one has been harmed.

"I am confident that this matter will be thoroughly investigated."

The fire service said it had handed over to builder Balfour Beatty and a plan was being put in place to make the area safe.

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: "The surrounding area was immediately secured and works have now ceased on site while the crane section is safely removed, after which works will resume."

The £350m hospital was left two-thirds finished after the collapse of construction company Carillion in January last year.

Work resumed at the site after the government pledged £300m of funding.

Construction was due to be completed in October 2018 but the trust has since said the hospital will not be open until 2022.