Workman crushed to death by ‘telescopic urinal’ in horrific accident in central London yards from Harry Potter theatre

27 January 2023, 14:19 | Updated: 27 January 2023, 17:20

The man died after being crushed by a 'telescopic urinal'
The man died after being crushed by a 'telescopic urinal'. Picture: LBC

By Asher McShane

A worker has died after being crushed in a "telescopic urinal" in central London.

Police raced to the scene at the junction of Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross road outside the Palace Theatre, after reports of a man being crushed.

Police said they were called at 1.10pm today to reports of a seriously injured man at the scene. They later issued an update saying tragically the man had died. His next of kin have been informed.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man who was critically injured in Cambridge Circus was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed."

The victim sustained crush injuries while working on the ‘telescopic urinal’ at the location, the Met police said.

The London Fire Brigade said he was trapped below street level "underneath" the urinal. He was treated by paramedics but died despite their efforts.

Police said a man had been crushed by a 'telescopic urinal'
Police said a man had been crushed by a 'telescopic urinal'. Picture: LBC

The London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance were in attendance.

Roads were closed in the area.

Scotland Yard said in an earlier statement: "Police were called at around 13:10hrs on Friday, 27 January, to a seriously injured man at Cambridge Circus, W1.

"The man is thought to have sustained crush injuries while working on a ‘telescopic urinal’ at the location.

"LFB, LAS and London’s Air Ambulance are in attendance. Officers are assisting with road closures."

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called today (27 January) at 1:05pm to reports of an incident on Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross.

“We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, members of our hazardous area response team (HART), members of our tactical response unit and a medic in a fast response car. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.

The London Fire Brigade said they sent four fire engines and 25 firefighters after being called to reports of a 'man trapped'.

Police brought a crane to the scene to try and lift the structure from the ground
Police brought a crane to the scene to try and lift the structure from the ground. Picture: LBC

A crane was later brought to the scene as rescuers began efforts to lift the entire structure out of the ground.

The worker is understood to have been performing maintenance on a pop-up urinal which rises from the ground at night so that revellers can relieve themselves without the need to urinate in the street.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A traffic jam on the M8 Motorway and Kingston Bridge approach roads in Glasgow city centre, Scotland, UK

Easter travel warning as 19 million Brits to hit UK roads amid airport strikes, train cancellations and bad weather

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling joins Star Wars: Starfighter as he promises to 'shine a light' on iconic franchise

The US will 'move on' from peace talks if a deal can't be agreed

US warns it will 'move on' from Ukraine peace talks if progress isn't made in coming days as minerals deal edges closer

Energy bills could rise once again.

Brits could face £100 more in household bills if UK signs up to EU Net Zero scheme, Tories claim

woman in military uniform holding happy daughter at home

Military families set for housing boost as Defence Sec pledges to ‘stop the rot’

Actor Haley Joel Osment attends the 2025 PaleyFest LA - "Poker Face" event at the Dolby Theatre on March 29, 2025 in Hollywood, California.

Oscar-nominated ‘Sixth Sense’ actor Haley Joel Osment charged with public intoxication and cocaine possession

Commuters walk along a packed platform after a single train arrived during the morning rush hour, at Waterloo Station in London on April 8, 2024.

Millions set to face heavy disruption in Easter travel plans due to engineering works, strikes, traffic and flooding

Luigi Mangione, the suspect indicted in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson arriving at the South Street Helipad in New York City on December 19, 2024.

Luigi Mangione indicted on federal murder charge over CEO killing as US pushes for death penalty

Firefighters are battling a major blaze at a historic First World War airfield - as residents were warned to stay indoors due to fears over asbestos in the smoke.

Firefighters battle huge blaze at historic WWI airfield as residents warned of asbestos in smoke

Far fewer women today would prefer to switch gender than they once did, according to a study.

Fewer women would prefer to switch gender than they once did, study shows

More than four in five (81%) teachers feel the number of pupils exhibiting violent and abusive behaviours has increased, according to a poll by the NASUWT teaching union.

Teachers are being punched, kicked, shoved or spat at by pupils

Harry Maguire secured one of the most jaw-dropping European wins.

Harry Maguire seals Europa League semi-final spot for Manchester United after thrilling comeback

David Lammy has said Russia must agree to an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire” after meeting counterparts from the US and Europe.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy says Russia must accept ‘unconditional ceasefire’ after US-Europe talks

One batch of the medicine Lercanidipine, made by Recordati Pharmaceuticals, is labelled as containing 10mg tablets when it in fact contains 20mg.

Patients on common blood pressure drug urged to check pack amid labelling error

"It is a weekend where I want to perform, I want to do well," Norris said.

Lando Norris planning to try new things to get ‘comfortable’ with his McLaren

Beatles fan mail to be showcased in new exhibit featuring dozens of letters sent to Ringo Starr's home

Beatles fan mail to be showcased in new exhibit featuring dozens of letters sent to Ringo Starr's home