FIRE crews have determined the collapsed roof safe in Maldon.

Crews from Maldon, Urban Search and Rescue Team and an aerial ladder platform from Chelmsford were called to the incident at 9.32am after the side of a roof on a three-story building collapsed.

The fire service has confirmed crews removed sections of the collapsed roof and that residents living in the property were evacuated as a safety precaution.

Collapse - Residents heard an explosion as the bricks fell Collapse - Residents heard an explosion as the bricks fell (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service) Station Manager Ryan Ainger said: “Initial crews put a cordon in place to maintain the safety of public as the bricks had fallen onto the neighbouring building and the alleyway below.

“Luckily nobody was injured or trapped.

“Crews worked hard to remove sections of the roof and cleared the loft of any items, so they were not blown away by the wind.” 

Shock - There was a large emergency service presence at the scene Shock - There was a large emergency service presence at the scene (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service) Residents reported hearing a sound like an “explosion” as the roof collapsed, with one woman ‘running for her life’ and lucky to escape the rubble.

The High Street was closed from the Wantz Road junction to Victoria Road.

Crews made the incident safe by 11am and left the scene with the Police.