Watch: Flying roofing iron narrowly misses pedestrian

A South Dunedin building damaged by fire is safe, despite a large piece of roof narrowly missing a pedestrian after it came loose in high winds, the Dunedin City Council says.

Firefighters were called to the former Wolfenden and Russell building in King Edward St on Wednesday after strong winds lifted a piece of roof from the building.

It followed a fire that significantly damaged the building in early July.

Security footage seen by the Otago Daily Times shows a pedestrian narrowly avoiding being hit by the piece of roof.

the former Wolfenden and Russell building. Photo: ODT
the former Wolfenden and Russell building. Photo: ODT

Council building solutions manager Paul Henderson said council staff issued a dangerous building notice to the owner of the building following the fire.

An amended notice was later issued following the receipt of a structural engineer’s report, which allowed partial access to the undamaged portion of the building.

"The building remains subject to the notice, which includes a provision requiring any dangerous loose building materials to be made safe and tied down by appropriate qualified people."

Council staff visited the building on Wednesday to ensure any unsecured material was removed.

"We now believe the roof is safe and secure."


 

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