A construction site in Toronto’s east end was met with chaos and destruction as a crane collapsed into a building under construction on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at the site of a new condominium building on Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they found the crane lying on top of the building, with its arm extending over the edge.
According to Toronto Fire Services, there were no reported injuries as a result of the collapse. However, the area has been cordoned off and nearby buildings have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but witnesses reported strong winds in the area at the time of the incident. The Ministry of Labour has been notified and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
The crane, which was being used for the construction of the 12-storey building, is owned by the company, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. In a statement, the company expressed their concern for the safety of their workers and the public, and stated that they are cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigation.
The incident has caused significant traffic disruptions in the area, with Queen Street East being closed between Carlaw Avenue and Logan Avenue. Commuters are advised to find alternate routes and to avoid the area if possible.
This is not the first time a crane has collapsed in Toronto. In 2019, a similar incident occurred at a construction site in the city’s downtown core, resulting in multiple injuries and damage to surrounding buildings.
As the investigation into this latest incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of construction sites and the importance of strict safety protocols. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
