1 killed, another injured in 'structure collapse' at North Vancouver construction site: fire chief
One person has died and another was taken to hospital with injuries after a structure collapse at a construction site in North Vancouver Wednesday, the local fire chief said.
Mounties said they were called at about 9:45 a.m. because of "some sort of collapse" at a site on Chesterfield Avenue West Esplanade.
"It was a bit of a chaotic scene," said Sgt. Peter DeVries, adding one person was taken to hospital with unknown injuries.
DeVries initially said a second person was trapped and crews had a hard time reaching them.
City of North Vancouver Fire Chief Greg Schalk said the second worker was located and pronounced dead on scene.
The B.C. Coroners Service told CTV News it could not confirm the death because the site has not been deemed safe to enter.
A specialized heavy urban search and rescue task force, known as Canada Task Force 1, arrived at the scene in the late afternoon.
Its director, David Boone, said his team of 20, which included structural engineers and medics, were having challenges reaching the victim, because of the nature of the collapse, which he said occurred in the rear of the building in what was previously a theatre.
“There is concrete that’s hanging that may come down on anyone working below and there is also steel structure that may come down," he said.
Boone estimated the recovery effort would take “hours” with the roof, floor, and walls around the location of the worker’s body all partially collapsed.
"This is a tragic incident. It's upsetting for people who live and work in this area," DeVries added.
WorkSafe BC confirmed it is investigating, but could not confirm the name of the demolition contractor, listed on the building’s exterior as Done Right Demo.
An email and call to the company were not returned.
As of Wednesday evening, there was no update on the survivor’s condition.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.