Seconds from disaster
Reporter: Beatriz Ayala
Date published: 01 September 2009
Family shaken after chimney collapse
A FAMILY have spoken of their shock after part of next-door’s chimney came crashing down in their back yard.
The Tupmans, of Herbert Street, Watersheddings, had been planning a double celebration at the weekend — but best-laid plans almost turned to disaster.
Pete Tupman (47) had been leaning against the outside bin on Friday at 6pm. It was very nearly the last thing he ever did.
Only seconds after going back into the house, Pete heard an almighty crash.
A pair of huge coping stones had tumbled from the chimney of the house next door and crushed the bin and his shed roof.
Mr Tupman (47), who works at Connexions Oldham, said: “We didn’t know what was going on.
“The stones had dropped on to the bin I had been leaning on and through the middle of the shed.
“My wife Steph, who was in the kitchen, ran out first as she thought someone was on the roof.
“Had she been out a few seconds earlier, she could have been hurt.
“We had been due to celebrate as it was our 17th wedding anniversary on Sunday and our daughter Elizabeth got 12 A to C grades in her GCSE exams. But this has definitely shaken us up.”
After contacting their home insurers, Mr Tupman said his neighbours’ company blamed the collapse on every day wear and tear, claiming they were not liable.
Mr Tupman’s own insurer said they could not send an assessor out until today but advised the family to seek alternative accommodation.
The Tupmans have since been forced to sleep at a bed and breakfast, and at a friend’s home.
Mr Tupman said he is more worried about any more falling stones hurting passers-by.
He added: “The fire brigade said we should speak to our insurers.”
