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Man, 23, killed in Curtin University building collapse

A 23-year-old apprentice has died after a glass roof collapsed at Curtin University in Perth on Tuesday afternoon.

Two workers were on top of the structure when it suddenly gave way, causing both men to fall more than 20 metres to the ground.

The body of the deceased remains on campus, with police unable to remove it until the site is safe, Police Commander Mike Bell told reporters in the hours following the collapse.

The apprentice’s family had been notified of the tragic incident.

“As you can imagine, they will be devastated,” Commander Bell said.

The second victim is in a serious condition at Royal Perth Hospital.

One person is believed to have died after a building collapsed at Curtin University in Perth on Tuesday afternoon. Source: ABC
One person has died after a glass roof collapsed at Curtin University in Perth on Tuesday afternoon. Source: ABC

A third man was inside the structure at the time and has also been taken to hospital but was able to communicate with emergency staff.

All three are construction workers.

Photographs from the scene show part of the roof had collapsed onto a construction vehicle and entire panels had fallen to the ground.

“The cause of that collapse is yet to be determined,” Commander Bell said.

Police, ambulance and fire rescuers are in attendance, along with WorkSafe officials.

The building is believed to be the School of Design and the Built Environment.

It is part of the Exchange precinct which combines student accommodation and a boutique hotel with teaching spaces.

Construction began last year and the project is slated to be finished by the first semester in 2022, The West Australian said.

A vehicle being used by the construction team is also understood to have been destroyed by the collapse.

Students have been sent a text alert advising "There has been an accident on the construction site of Building 418" and to avoid the area.

Lend Lease, understood to be the building property manager, has been contacted for comment.

with AAP

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