Canning Town residents evacuated over 'imminent risk to life'
Over 200 people from three tower blocks in Newham face uncertainty over return and accommodation costs.
Incident → evidence → outcomeMore than 200 residents were forced to leave their homes in three tower blocks in Canning Town, Newham, in the early hours of Friday. Engineers identified an 'imminent risk to life' in Centurion Tower, St Vincent Court, and Sovereign Tower, prompting an urgent evacuation.
Residents reported receiving minimal notice to leave, with some stating they had less than an hour to gather essential belongings. Many are now in temporary accommodation and are unclear about when they can return to their homes or who will cover the associated costs. Artem Semchik, a resident of Centurion Tower, told BBC London that residents were instructed to "book everything from your own funds" and had not been informed about reimbursement procedures or timelines. He described the situation as leaving everyone "in limbo".
Questions over building safety and age
James Asser, the Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, has raised concerns about the buildings, which he stated are approximately 10 years old. He is seeking urgent answers regarding the history of the structural issues and accountability for the faults. Mr Asser expressed frustration, stating, "This shouldn't be happening to my constituents. We need to get answers for them urgently."
Council support and management response
Newham Council confirmed it was alerted to the structural problems by the London Fire Brigade on Thursday night. The council is supporting approximately 210 households from Centurion Tower and St Vincent Court, establishing a rest centre and providing emergency accommodation for those displaced. Prime Property Management, which manages the Royal Gateway development, stated that the issue relates to a transfer slab beneath the three blocks. This problem was discovered during preparations for building safety cases, when structural engineers raised concerns after reviewing drawings, a finding confirmed by a site inspection on 21 October. The company said safety was its immediate priority and that relevant authorities had been notified. Its stated aim is to enable residents to return as soon as it is safe to do so.
Questions this report answers
01Why were residents evacuated from the Canning Town tower blocks?
Residents were evacuated because engineers identified an 'imminent risk to life' due to structural safety fears. The issue is reportedly linked to a transfer slab beneath the three blocks, discovered during building safety case preparations.
02What support are affected residents receiving?
Newham Council is providing support to approximately 210 households. This includes setting up a rest centre and offering emergency accommodation for those who have nowhere else to go.
03When can residents expect to return to their homes?
It is currently unclear when residents will be able to return to Centurion Tower, St Vincent Court, and Sovereign Tower. The property management company stated residents can return when it is safe to do so, but no specific timeline has been provided.
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