Partial wall collapse in Fairfield sparks concern, forces hundreds to evacuate

Hundreds of schoolchildren and residents of a large apartment block have been evacuated after a retaining wall sparked concerns it could collapse.

Hundreds of residents, including schoolchildren from a neighbouring primary school, were forced to evacuate after a bulging wall sparked concerns of a partial collapse.

Emergency services were called to the corner of Fairfield Street and Vine Street in Sydney’s west just before 1.15pm on Friday.

Individuals at the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic primary school first identified the odd protrusion in the 10m high wall which sparked concerns of a potential collapse.

The worrying bulge sparked fears of the wall collapsing. Picture: FRNSW

The bulge also led to the evacuation of a neighbouring primary school. Picture: FRNSW

Firefighters later confirmed these concerns after arriving on the scene and noticing “an obvious deflection” in the wall.

Fire and Rescue NSW collapse and structural assessment specialists, as well as drone operators, are currently assisting emergency services in managing the scene.

The primary school was evacuated as a precaution, with all students relocated and moved off the premises.

The residential complex is home to hundreds of residents who are slowly being evacuated from the building.