Three workers required rescue and were transported to hospital with minor injuries
Emergency crews responded to a construction site accident in downtown Vancouver that left several workers injured. The incident occurred near the intersection of Nelson and Burrard streets, involving a building facade collapse and the subsequent scaffolding collapse.
According to reports from Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, the incident unfolded on a Wednesday morning when a portion of the building gave way, leading to the collapse of the scaffolding.
Construction was taking place at the First Baptist Church, and the accident happened during seismic upgrading work. Haebler Construction, the company responsible for the project, confirmed that the injuries resulted from a chimney collapse. The company stated that operations at the site have been suspended, pending a thorough investigation into the incident.
A technical rescue team was dispatched to the scene to assist in freeing three workers who were trapped under the debris. The workers had been operating on the third floor of the construction project when the accident happened. Fortunately, all three were safely extricated.
Capt. Matthew Trudeau of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services told CTV News a construction crane was utilized to aid in the workers' rescue. "All were conscious, thankfully, with some small injuries and some moderate injuries," he stated.
B.C. Emergency Health Services reported that three of the injured workers were transported to the hospital for treatment, while a fourth worker received on-site medical attention but declined hospital transport.
WorkSafeBC confirmed its notification of the incident and dispatched an officer to the site to investigate the accident further.
The accident temporarily closed Thurlow Street between Nelson and Smithe streets in downtown Vancouver as emergency responders worked to secure the scene and provide medical care to the injured workers.
As investigations continue, there will be a focus on determining the exact cause of the chimney collapse.
