A pedestrian has died after being hit by falling scaffolding outside The Hague Central Station on Thursday morning.

Police said the incident happened at around 7.30am as scaffolding pieces were being lifted by crane on a building site next to the station, NOS reports. Some of the pieces came loose and hit another section of scaffolding which broke away and fell to the ground. The victim was hit by several pieces.

The incident was witnessed by dozens of commuters crossing the square outside the station. ‘There is always a lot of traffic at that spot outside the station in the morning,’ said a police spokesman. ‘Victim support has been offered to witnesses.’

The Inspectorate SZW and the Dutch Safety Board have begun investigations. Police have not released the victim’s identity.

Tram services running past the station were briefly suspended, but are now running normally.

The building is a former government ministry which is undergoing major renovation work.