KELOWNA, BC – One person is in critical condition and an unknown number of people were injured after a construction crane collapsed in downtown Kelowna, BC
Mission Group confirmed that the incident occurred around 10:45 am on their Brooklyn at Bernard Block Tower project.
“There was a catastrophic downtime in which a crane crashed during dismantling on our construction site in Brooklyn,” the developer said in a statement. “Mission Group evacuated the building immediately and emergency services were dispatched to the scene.”
The company added that it will continue to work with rescue workers to assess the situation.
“We cannot confirm the number and extent of the injuries at the moment,” the statement said. “Mission Group expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy. We have set up emergency services to help those in need. The health and safety of our employees, the trades and the general public remain our top priority. “
BC Emergency Health Services communications officer Shannon Miller said emergency teams were dispatched just before 11 a.m. Monday morning to receive reports of a crane collapse on the 700 block of Bernard Avenue and St. Paul Street. The crews were told that a crane had collapsed on an adjacent building.
“We have 12 floor ambulances on site, including two intensive care teams,” said Miller, who added that there have been reports of several people with injuries, but the total number is currently unknown.
According to Miller, two patients were being transported to the hospital at the time. One patient is stable with minor injuries and one patient is in critical condition.
WorkSafeBC confirmed that it has been informed of the incident and the investigation teams are responding.
“The purpose of our investigation is to identify the cause of the incident, including all contributing factors, so that similar incidents can be prevented in the future,” the organization said in a statement.
The Central Okanagan Region Emergency Operations Center was activated to assist in response to a crane collapse.
The center has directed evacuees from downtown to go to the Salvation Army at 1480 Sutherland Avenue for Emergency Support Services (ESS). Regardless, families of the injured or missing are advised to go to the Parkinson Recreation Center (McIntosh Room) on 1700 Parkinson Way.
“We are eagerly awaiting news of this heartbreaking accident and hope that our incredible first responders can provide assistance to the workers involved,” said BC Prime Minister John Horgan in a tweet about the incident.
The Journal of Commerce will continue to follow this development.
