Family's lucky escape as roof collapses
A family had a lucky escape when part of their £270,000 home in Staffordshire suddenly collapsed as they sat inside, sending debris crashing to the ground.
David Smith, his wife Caroline and their five-month-old son Luca were in their home on Sunday afternoon when the apex of their four bedroomed home fell away.
The house, situated on Chester Road, Rugeley, is only seven years old and is one of about 20 built by developers Taylor Wimpey as part of the new Birches estate development in the town.
Fire crews attended the incident on Sunday which happened around 1.30pm.Today the company offered their support to the family as they worked alongside the National House-Building Control to find out why part of their building had collapsed.
Mr Smith, 40 and a sales manager, has already been leafleting homes on the estate telling them what has happened fearing a similar thing could happen to someone else.
He said: "We were very, very lucky. At the same time on the Saturday we were out in the garden enjoying the sunshine and my five-month old son was sitting in his chair directly below where the apex collapsed. He would have been killed – there is no question about that. I am very angry about this – it could have been so much worse.
"At the moment we are living in a hotel while the home is assessed."
Rob Webb from Taylor Wimpey said: "We're very concerned to hear of the problems Mr Smith has faced. We have also been in touch with the NHBC to offer our assistance and encourage them to help Mr Smith as soon as possible, and ensure the matter is resolved to his satisfaction."
