Store collapse shuts down CBD

THE collapse of part of the Pells army surplus store on Wellington Street, next door to the Woolworths site, brought part of Perth’s CBD to a standstill for several hours this week.

The building collapsed during the lunchtime rush on Tuesday, closing Wellington Street between Barrack and William streets.

Fire and Emergency Services Authority Perth district manager Lloyd Bailey said eyewitnesses confirmed nobody had been under the building’s awning when it came down. He said works on the Woolworths site might have contributed to the building’s collapse.

There was only a four-strong skeleton crew working on the site and all were safe. The manager of Pells army surplus store said he saw the wall begin to cave in and come towards him. He escaped unscathed.