Tragic platform collapse kills father and son in Liverpool
- David Bottomley and his son Clayton were working on a climbing platform at the Unity Building in Liverpool when it collapsed.
- The platform fell 14 storeys, resulting in David's immediate death and Clayton's death four days later due to severe injuries.
- The incident highlights the critical need for improved safety measures in construction to prevent future tragedies.
On May 19, 2021, a tragic incident occurred at the Unity Building in Liverpool city centre, where a climbing platform collapsed, resulting in the deaths of David Bottomley, 53, and his son Clayton, 17. The platform, which was attached to a mast, fell 14 storeys around 3:30 PM, leading to catastrophic injuries for both individuals. Witnesses reported hearing a series of clicks before the platform went into free fall, likening the noise to that of a rollercoaster. David Bottomley, who had been working as a sub-contractor for AAI Selby for 18 months, was declared dead at the scene due to massive blunt force chest injuries. His son Clayton was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries four days later in the hospital. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment when they saw the platform plummet and the aftermath, with emergency services responding swiftly to the scene. The incident raised serious concerns about safety protocols and equipment reliability on construction sites. Thomas Blanchfield, a witness, recounted seeing David trying to grab something as they fell, while another witness noted the platform's precarious position before the collapse. The emotional impact of the tragedy was felt deeply, with messages of condolence left at the scene, highlighting the loss of two beloved individuals. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by construction workers and the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The community mourns the loss of David and Clayton, who were remembered fondly by friends and colleagues.