(AP) London skyscraper accused of melting car
LONDON
Some love it, others hate it. London’s newest skyscraper has divided opinion, but now it’s really heating things up — literally.
Developers of the unfinished “Walkie-Talkie” building — so called because of its shape — said Tuesday they are investigating the way the building reflects sunlight, after claims that the intense glare melted parts of a luxury car parked nearby and caused a small fire outside a shop.
Businessman Martin Lindsay told the BBC that his Jaguar’s mirror, panels and badge had all melted from the concentrated heat of sunlight reflected from the building.
A barber shop owner also claimed that the glare burned a hole in his company doormat.
The half-finished 37-story tower is one of the most distinctively shaped skyscrapers in London’s financial district. The building is expected to be completed in 2014.
In a joint statement, developers Land Securities and Canary Wharf said they are investigating and taking the matter seriously.
The companies are evaluating long-term solutions to solve the problem, and in the meantime have asked authorities to suspend parking in three spaces in the area that may be affected, the statement said.