Three rescued after collapse at Vancouver's Butterfly construction site
Emergency crews rushed to the scene of a major construction project in downtown Vancouver to rescue three workers after a chimney collapsed at a historic church Wednesday.
The three workers were all brought to safety, and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to a statement from Haebler construction. The rest of the workers were sent home for the day, and work at the site has been paused.
Leslie Van Duzer/Submitted
The collapse occurred during renovation and seismic upgrade work at First Baptist Church.
“We take the safety of our employees and the workers on site very seriously sincerely regret that this incident has occurred. We are working with WorkSafeBC and the City of Vancouver to investigate and are closely monitoring the care and recovery of the workers,” the company said.
Daily Hive
BC Emergency Health Services confirmed paramedics took three patients to hospital, and a fourth fourth was treated at the scene but declined hospital transport. Seven ambulances responded in total.
BC EHS said the call came in just before 11 am from the construction site on Nelson Street between Burrard and Thurlow, according to BC Emergency Health Services. That’s where Westbank is building its 57-storey Butterfly condo tower, a social housing complex, and refurbishing the church.
Technical rescuers with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services got the individuals out, and crews asked drivers to stay away while they worked.
“Active rescues in progress. Avoid the area if possible,” the fire department said.
VFRS crews along with technical rescue teams on scene on the 1000 block of Nelson. Active rescues in progress. Avoid the area if possible. pic.twitter.com/7lQyjgL2vy
— Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (@VanFireRescue) November 22, 2023
Photos from the rescues show action in the laneway behind The Butterfly construction project at 1019 Nelson Street.
On scene at a technical rescue at Burrard and Nelson.@IAFF18 @IAFF18
Active incident pic.twitter.com/yaYnYXD3rf— Karen Fry (@Karen_Fry) November 22, 2023
Thurlow Street was closed between Nelson and Smythe streets while firefighters retrieved the trapped individuals.
The commotion drew a crowd, but all three people had been taken to hospital as of 12:15 pm.
Follow Channels and Categories