Developer and façade contractor fined after fatal falling window in London
A London property developer and its façade contractor were fined after a heavy window fell from a riverside penthouse, killing coach driver Mick Ferris.
St James Group Ltd, the developer of The Corniche luxury penthouse in Vauxhall, and façade specialist Lindner Prater were each fined after a 130 kg window fell 26 storeys and killed coach driver Mick Ferris on 2 October 2018. The tragedy occurred despite a prior window failure at the same development in August 2017, after which the design was not significantly altered. Judge Boyle criticised the firms for failing to ensure the critical safety component was properly engaged and for inadequate risk assessment documentation.
Both companies were also ordered to cover court costs. Luxury architect Foster + Partners and engineering consultant Wintech Ltd were acquitted of the same charge. The victim’s widow, Rachel Ferris, testified that the death could have been prevented and expressed the lasting impact on their family.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences of neglecting building safety standards in high-rise construction.
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