House where estate agent fell through floor withdrawn from sale

A house where a horrific accident happened during a viewing was withdrawn from auction at the end of last week.

A Savills estate agent and a woman plunged 14 feet through the floor into the cellar of an end-of-terrace house in Nottingham two weeks ago.

Both were taken to hospital from the six-bedroom property, which reportedly had been empty for several years and was in need of full renovation. It is understood that the pair, who suffered head and back injuries, were passed out on stretchers through a window. It is not known how seriously hurt they were, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Neither has been named.

A third person reportedly walked from the property, seemingly uninjured.

The Grade Two listed property, owned by Nottingham City Council and which Savills was due to auction with a guide price of £90,000 last Thursday, is now the subject of an investigation.

A council spokesman said: “This appears to have been a terrible freak accident at a property we have been trying to sell which has been empty for a number of years.

“We’re investigating how this happened and have secured the building until structural engineers have established what needs to be done to make sure the building is safe.”

A Savills spokesperson said: “I can confirm that the property was withdrawn from the auction which took place last Thursday, but as there is an investigation currently  regarding the incident, we cannot provide an update to our original statement or disclose any information about the individuals concerned.”

In its original statement, the agent said: “Savills’ first concerns are with the two people hurt, one of whom is a Savills employee. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.
 
“Savills is fully cooperating with the investigation into the cause of this accident and is working with Nottingham City Council, which owns the building, to understand the cause.”