A bell ringer was seriously injured after falling approximately 20 feet inside the tower of St Luke’s and Christ Church in Chelsea, West London, on Sunday morning. Rescue teams used a crane to extract the man from the confined space within the 142-foot tower after the incident occurred shortly before the church’s 10:30 a.m. service.

London Fire Brigade responded to reports of a man who had fallen five to six meters inside the bell tower. Firefighters had to break through a leaded window to access the injured individual, who was receiving urgent, life-saving treatment from specialist medics at the scene. The rescue operation lasted around two hours before the man was lowered safely and transferred to a major trauma center for further care. Emergency services, including an air ambulance and a medical hazardous area response team, were also present during the rescue.

The church confirmed that the victim was stabilised before being taken to hospital, where he remains under treatment for serious injuries. Officials expressed that the entire community is deeply shaken by the incident.

St Luke’s and Christ Church, noted for its historical significance—including as the wedding site of author Charles Dickens in 1836—has a set of ten bells, cast 200 years ago, which are rung by a volunteer team before services. The church is also well known for hosting large charity events, previously attended by members of the British royal family such as Prince William and Prince Harry.