**Van Hangs Precariously Over Leeds Street Following Car Park Crash**
Emergency services launched a major response yesterday afternoon after a van collided with an internal wall on the first floor of the NCP Markets car park on New York Street, central Leeds. The incident, which occurred at approximately 4:09pm on Wednesday, left the grey Hyundai van dramatically suspended from the side of the multi-storey structure with the front of the vehicle jutting over the pavement below.
Shocking images from the scene depict the van’s hazard lights flashing as the bonnet dangles above passing pedestrians, with fragments of brick and twisted railings strewn across the street in the aftermath. The partial collapse of the wall also created a dangerous cascade of debris that injured three people who were unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity at the time. They were all swiftly transported to hospital.
According to an official statement from West Yorkshire Police, the occupants of the van were also taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, the force confirmed there were no life-threatening injuries resulting from the incident, though the full extent of damage and risk assessment is ongoing.
Specialists from the fire service, along with structural engineers, attended the scene in order to evaluate the stability of the multi-storey car park and prevent any further hazards. A significant police cordon was erected to keep onlookers at a safe distance while emergency workers assessed the risks and began clearing the area.
Eyewitnesses expressed considerable shock at the dramatic sight. One bystander, who asked not to be named, commented: “I’ve never witnessed anything like it in person. The number of emergency vehicles was unreal – it really made you realise how serious the situation was.” At least five fire engines and four ambulances were reported to have attended, further underlining the gravity of the incident.
Kane Rawdon, 31, recounted his concern after realising the incident had occurred at the car park he uses daily. “I received a message from a mate after they saw what had happened at the NCP,” he said. “At the moment, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get to my own car. The police presence in town was something I’ve never seen before. My main concern is that everyone involved is going to be okay.”
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed that five individuals in total were transported to Leeds General Infirmary as a result of injuries sustained from either the falling debris or involvement in the collision itself. The emergency response was praised by some as both rapid and thorough, a testament to the city’s preparedness for unexpected events of this nature.
Local authorities are now working alongside NCP management to investigate the circumstances of the crash, as well as to evaluate the structural soundness of the building before re-opening any affected sections. A spokesperson said that public safety remains the number one priority and that updates will be provided as the situation develops.
While it remains unclear at this stage how the van came to break through the safety barrier, questions are already being raised about car park safety standards and what preventative measures could be implemented to avert such dramatic incidents in the future. As the city comes to terms with the unusual sights on New York Street, the emphasis remains on the swift recovery of those involved and a comprehensive review of the car park’s security provisions.