One dead, another hurt after collapse at North Vancouver worksite
Posted August 25, 2021 11:29 am.
Last Updated August 25, 2021 9:20 pm.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A tragic collapse at a building under renovation in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area has left one person dead and sent another to the hospital.
RCMP Sgt. Peter DeVries says the “structural collapse” was reported at about 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at the former Empire Theatres at Esplanade and Chesterfield avenues. The victim’s body was found in the debris.
“Personnel at the scene determined that as a result of catastrophic injuries, the person died,” DeVries said.
“This is a really dangerous scene,” he added, noting hours later, crews were still unable to get to the victim’s body.
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The North Vancouver RCMP’s Serious Crimes section has taken over the case.
“Investigators will be determining whether or not there was any criminality involved in the protocol and these types of situations, as is the protocol in these types of situations,” DeVries said.
He says it’s possible the investigation could uncover evidence of criminal negligence.
“As the investigation unfolds, if they do determine that there has been no criminality involved, then this will transition into a coroner’s investigation, in which they will examine the mechanisms and the causes of this person’s death, in partnership with WorkSafeBC,” he explained.
The BC Coroners Service has gained access to the scene, and is “investigating to determine all the facts.”
One other person has been taken to the hospital, and they are expected to survive.
Traffic on Chesterfield Avenue between West 1st Street and W. Esplanade Avenue is being detoured.
Happening Now: Traffic on Chesterfield Ave. between West 1st St. and W. Esplanade is being re-routed due to an industrial construction incident. Please use alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/RgVAq0ezYT
— North Vancouver RCMP (@nvanrcmp) August 25, 2021
