Inverness Street to remain closed as clear-up operation continues after crash
A busy Inverness street will remain closed for the foreseeable future after a serious car crash last Thursday, January 21.
The former William Hill building on the corner of Grant Street and Pumpgate Street was partially demolished in the accident.
Four people were injured in the crash. Three men, aged 32, 38 and 42, remain in hospital with, what are described as, serious but non life-threatening injuries, while one woman (43), believed to be the driver, was discharged last Friday.
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: "Grant Street remains closed and will stay closed until further notice."
Earlier the spokeswoman said the council was the lead agency for works that were being undertaken at the building.
In a statement, she said: "Following damage to a building on Pumpgate Street in the Merkinch area of Inverness caused by a road traffic accident on Thursday evening, the site remains cordoned off and traffic management in place.
"The Highland Council is leading on works to make the structure of the building safe before handing it back to the building owners.
"Temporary propping up works were completed on Friday. The design of second and third stage works to provide additional propping and structural scaffolding are near completion and engineers will be on site tomorrow.
"The stage two works will allow for more assessment on the interior of the damaged building to be carried out and all being well, the final stage three works are expected to be completed by the end of the week.
"At this point, it is planned that the building owners will be given access. However, the building will remain uninhabitable until further notice."
She continued: "The road will remain closed this week and local diversions, which are currently under review, will remain in place.
"The traffic management arrangements are being monitored closely.
"All costs on securing the safety of the building will be covered by the building owners."
She added: "Three households were evacuated from the building. The council’s housing team provided accommodation for one family over the weekend and the others stayed with friends. The housing team is prepared to provide further accommodation should it become necessary."
Police appealed for information about the crash, road policing sergeant Kate Park said: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision.
"I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash but has not yet spoken to police to come forward.
"I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have dash cam footage prior to the crash which could help with our investigation."
Information can be provided to Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3321 of January 21.
