Two men have been taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition after part of a building under construction collapsed in Ultimo, sending bricks and other debris onto a nearby street and petrol station.
Emergency crews were called to Wattle Street at about 11:00 a.m. on Monday, 3 August, after the roof and a section of wall gave way. The collapse damaged vehicles parked near a neighbouring Shell service station and prompted the evacuation of the construction site and surrounding buildings.
Workers pulled from debris as emergency crews secure the site
The two injured men, both aged in their 60s, were pulled from the debris by emergency personnel. One suffered a leg injury, while the other sustained a neck injury, according to NSW Ambulance.
The men were taken to separate hospitals for treatment, with one transported to St Vincent’s Hospital and the other to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Authorities said both remained in a serious but stable condition.
Another five people were assessed by paramedics at the scene. They were released without requiring further treatment.
Roof and wall gave way beside busy service station
Fire and Rescue NSW said the incident involved the partial collapse of a building about seven metres high. Large sections of brickwork and roofing fell towards Wattle Street and into the grounds of the adjoining petrol station.
Acting Superintendent Peter Murray said part of the structure had collapsed onto vehicles parked within the service station area. Images from the scene showed piles of bricks scattered across the site and sections of the damaged roof resting near parked cars.
The building was still under construction when the collapse occurred. The cause of the structural failure had not been confirmed.
Search crews deployed as police order evacuations
Urban search-and-rescue firefighters were deployed to examine the damaged building and check for anyone who may have remained trapped. Police also established an exclusion zone while emergency crews worked to stabilise the area.
Workers were evacuated from the construction site, while occupants of nearby buildings were also told to leave as a precaution. Members of the public were urged to avoid Wattle Street and surrounding roads while the emergency operation continued.
Published 5-Aug-2026
