Christchurch emergency services respond after reported fall at city’s Tūranga library

A person has fallen from the central Christchurch city library this morning. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

A person is in a critical condition after falling from Christchurch’s central city library this morning.

Emergency services were called to the Tūranga library building on Gloucester St about 11am.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said “a person has fallen” from the building.

Three fire trucks attended to try to rescue the person.

Hato Hone St John said they responded with two ambulances and two rapid response vehicles.

One person was taken to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition.

Emergency services respond. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

About 11.30am, the person was safely removed from a ledge above one of the main entrances by firefighters and moved into an ambulance.

A man working nearby heard a loud scream before someone fell from a top balcony onto a ledge.

They said they saw a person falling and landing heavily.

He lost sight of the person before taking a step back.

“I saw their arms, legs, and head moving, so after .”

Christchurch City Libraries said “due to an unforeseen incident” Tūranga will be closed for the rest of the day.

“We apologise for the inconvenience.”