Bow crane collapse: First picture of June Harvey, 85, released as family pay tribute to retired dressmaker

Ms Harvey was sorting through clothes upstairs in the terrace house in Bow, east London when the crane crashed through the roof
The 85-year-old died in the incident, while at least four others were injured
June Harvey GoFundMe Appeal/PA Wire
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The family of a retired dressmaker who died when a 65ft crane fell onto their home paid tribute to her today as they released the first pictures of the “loyal and caring” woman.

June Harvey, 85, was sorting through clothes upstairs in the terrace house in Bow, east London when the crane crashed through the roof last Wednesday afternoon.

Niece Jacqueline Atkinson, 63, said she was stood nearby and miraculously escaped with cuts and bruises.

Mrs Atkinson’s son Sam, 28, heard what he thought “was a plane crash” as he slept on a sofa downstairs.

Speaking for the first time Jacqueline said: “I was upstairs in the same room as June when the crane hit.

“My son managed to help me escape by pushing a ladder up to the bedroom window and helping me climb down.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the crane had smashed into the house leaving it like a pile of rubble. There was dust everyone and Sam and I were both taken to hospital but sadly June didn’t make it.

“I’m still in shock. The whole incident was absolutely terrifying, and I can’t believe Sam and I made it out alive and June tragically didn’t. We are still numb and just ask for some peace now to grieve.”

June Harvey GoFundMe Appeal/PA Wire

She added: “June was loyal and caring, a true East Ender.

“She was born in Poplar and had lived there all her life, working as a sewing machinist but had moved in with me and Sam last year, so we could help look after her.

“She was a wonderful woman, and a talented seamstress who was totally dedicated to her family. We are beyond devastated by what has happened.

“June loved gardening and spent much of her younger life outdoors in the garden and had a huge knowledge of plants and flowers. She also loved bingo and used to go almost every night. She was a bingo caller for many years at a local hall.”

Mr Atkinson said he managed to get their dog, Teddy, out of the family home and then helped neighbours rescue his mother from a first-floor window.

But they were unable to find Ms Harvey, who had moved to the house in Compton Close just over a year ago.

Her family have said they are "beyond devastated"
June Harvey GoFundMe Appeal/PA Wire

Chef Sam said: "We are still very much in shock and mum still can’t talk about what has happened. “It’s a miracle she survived but it is going to take a long time for us all to get over this.

“We need answers about how this happened. We have lost everything and now we have a funeral to arrange and respectfully ask that we are given space to grieve.”

The family have launched a GoFundMe page to cover expenses for Ms Harvey’s funeral where people can donate or leave messages of condolences for the family.

Jeremy Selwyn

A joint investigation is now underway involving officers from the Met’s Central East Command Unit and Specialist Crime, the Health and Safety Executive, and the London Fire Brigade.

At least four other people were injured, including a construction worker.

The crane was being used by Swan Housing Association and NU living at a development site in Watts Grove and had been put up the previous day.

Tower Hamlets Council said 97 residents from 26 households in the street were temporarily rehoused in hotel accommodation.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley, from the Met’s Specialist Crime, said: “The investigation into how this crane came to collapse is still in its very early stages but I am appealing to the public to assist us in building a picture of how these events unfolded.

“I am looking for anyone who witnessed the incident, or the moments prior to the crane collapsing to get in contact.

“I am aware that several videos were posted online in the immediate aftermath of this incident – I would appeal to anyone that has footage or images on their mobile phone, or any drivers who may have captured events on dashcam footage, to speak to my team.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police incident room on 020 8345 3715 or tweet @MetCC.

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