Not a simple solution for a dangerous crane
Madison Erhardt
Sunil Dhand was evacuated from his home Tuesday after a townhouse under construction went up in flames.
“I heard someone knock on the door, then I go out and see flames that are 60 feet high.
A few hours after the fire, residents of the area were asked to evacuate.
“I had to evacuate immediately, we were asked to go to the Sandman Hotel,” said Dhand.
According to Lance Kayfish of the city of Kelowna, the decision to evacuate people from their homes was made after a crane that remains on the site was identified as a potential risk after it was structurally damaged by the fire.
“We don’t know exactly how bad the damage was, or how bad the impact was on the safety of the crane, or if it will fall, but we do know the crane had some impact,” said Kayfish.
“So our only concern is that the crane is now unsafe. Given that it is in a residential area off Glenmore Road, we want to be very careful,” he added.
Glenmore Road will remain closed between Cross and Scenic Road, and Union Road will be closed between Wyndham Crescent and Valley Road.
Southbound traffic was diverted to Snowsell Street North and Scenic Road, while northbound traffic was diverted to Snowsell Street North and Valley Road.
Although Dhand and his family are safe, he is worried about his house.
“One thing that worried me about the building was that it might fall. That was a big problem, ”he said.
For properties within 300 feet of the construction site at the intersection of Glenmore Road and Union Ave. an evacuation order was issued.
Dhand says he learned that displaced people may be able to return home early next week, but the city of Kelowna has not yet been able to provide a specific timetable.
