There are reports of several injuries after a crane collapsed at a construction site in downtown Kelowna, B.C., on Monday.
Kelowna RCMP said the block of Bernard Avenue/St. Paul St/Doyle Ave/ Bertram Street is now closed to the public until further notice. The area has been evacuated.
“If you are in this area, please leave as soon as possible in a safe manner,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy in an emailed statement.
#Breaking RCMP evacuating area near Bernard Avenue and Bertram Street in downtown #Kelowna after a crane collapsed. No confirmation of injuries but police are calling it a “significant incident” with an industrial crane. @GlobalOkanagan (video: Jeff Martin) pic.twitter.com/7bLp9g0V7P
— Shelby Thom (@Shelby_Thom) July 12, 2021
“Please remain away from this area at this time.”
The apartment building where the incident occurred is called Brooklyn at Bernard Block.
BC Emergency Health Services (BC EHS) said twelve ground ambulances were dispatched to the scene, including two critical care teams.
“It’s unknown how many patients, but reports of several people with injuries,” said spokesperson Shannon Miller in an email.
. @BC_EHS confirms there are reports of "several people with injuries" due to #Kelowna crane collapse. Two patients have been transported to hospital. One patient stable, with minor injuries and one patient in critical condition. @WorkSafeBC is also responding to the scene. https://t.co/jcOngQInby
— Shelby Thom (@Shelby_Thom) July 12, 2021
“Two patients have been transported to hospital at this time; One patient stable, with minor injuries and one patient in critical condition.”
Witnesses said the massive crane collapsed at approximately 11:00 a.m. Video from the scene shows major damage to an adjacent building and at least one vehicle.