Elderly couple manage to escape after 33-tonne drilling rig falls on Strathmore home

An elderly couple has managed to escape unharmed after a huge drilling rig crashed into the roof of their home in Strathmore.

Fire crews and emergency services are at the scene near Woodland and Napier streets.

The 33-tonne drilling rig was being loaded onto the back of a semi-trailer at the time when it fell onto the home.

The MFB says a large caterpillar driven drill rig was working on an adjacent block when it collapsed.

Paramedics are treating a man and a woman in their 80s who are shaken but uninjured.

Tom Elliott crossed to Channel 7 reporter Emily Angwin at the scene.

“We’re not sure what has caused it to come crashing down. The incident controller described it as a spectacular scene, and there was an incredible amount of damage,” she said.

Caller Sue told Tom Elliott there are fire crews and ambulances on the scene.

“The crane just seems to have toppled over. The arm has just gone into the roof of the house next door,” she said.

Napier St, Strathmore – a crane has fallen on a house near Woodland St and there are lane closures in both directions. Emergency services are on site. Avoid the area, if possible – use Pascoe Vale Rd or Mt Alexander Rd instead. #victraffic

— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) October 23, 2018

Photo: News chopper

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