A monstrous 50-ton crane has destroyed a million-pound home which builders had just finished.
The towering lorry's 50ft boom arm was part of a clean-up at the site in Broadstairs, Kent, when it toppled over - taking a roof with it.
Neighbours in Kingsgate Avenue, who live yards from the collision said their homes shook as if they had been hit by an earthquake.
The empty home is based in one of the most sought-after areas in Dickens' country.
Retired RAF man Thomas Hindmarsh, 70, said: "It was an unbelievable noise, like an explosion. It took the whole roof off, the thing could've done the same to any property on this road. My house was given a right old shake.
"They are building luxury flats and houses on the site, I wasn't a witness but I think whoever was driving the crane probably didn't think to keep it on even ground. However it happened, it's lucky no one was hurt.
"I can't wait to see the size of crane they get to shift this one." Health and Safety Executive investigators are probing the accident. (Daily Mail Friday 29th February 2008)