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Multiple fatalities reported in ‘catastrophic’ crane collapse in Kelowna, B.C.

A crane collapse in Kelowna, B.C., has left multiple people dead, according to the RCMP.

“At this time, we are not prepared to confirm the number of deceased and injured persons in this matter, but there is at least one fatality as a result of this incident,” said RCMP Insp. Adam MacIntosh in a press release. One person is also missing.

Mission Group, the construction company working at the Brooklyn building in downtown Kelowna, said there was a “catastrophic failure” at about 10:45 a.m. on July 12. The crane fell during the dismantling process at the Brooklyn construction site, it said.

“Mission Group immediately evacuated the building and emergency crews were dispatched to the site,” it said. “We continue to work closely with emergency responders to assess the situation. We are unable to confirm the number and extent of injuries at this time.”

Published reports say three people were taken to hospital following the incident and that the workers who had been killed were subcontractors and not employees of Mission Group.

“Mission Group expresses its deepest sympathy for the families of those affected by this tragedy,” it said. “We have set up support services to help those in need.”

Province reacts

Harry Bains, B.C.’s Minister of Labour, has issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the terrible incident involving a construction crane in Kelowna today. My thoughts are with the workers affected, and I send my sincere condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of the victims.

“Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of the day, and I feel awful for the loved ones and colleagues impacted by this tragedy.

“All workers have the right to a safe and healthy workplace – even one injury or death is too many. This is a heartbreaking reminder that we must strive to ensure the safety of all workers to prevent incidents like this from happening.

“I thank the emergency personnel and investigators now on scene. Agencies including WorkSafeBC, the BC Coroners Service and the RCMP are now investigating. We will have more to say as further details become available.”

Local video

Local Kelowna news site Castanet posted the following raw video to YouTube showing the site of the incident.