Workers rescued after chimney collapses at Vancouver construction site

Officials say three people have been taken to the hospital after they were rescued from the third floor of a downtown Vancouver construction site Wednesday morning.

The incident was initially described by officials as being a scaffolding collapse in the area of Nelson and Burrard streets, however was later confirmed that a chimney at the historic First Baptist Church crumbled.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Assistant Chief Jarret Grey says one person was partially trapped by rubble that fell from the building around 11 a.m.

He says crews had to “take off certain debris and whatever rubble that was on top of the person” to get to them.

“It was like the façade of the side of the building,” Grey described.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services described all of the injuries as non-life-threatening.

“Seven ambulances, a paramedic supervisor and BCEHS area manager responded to the scene,” BC Emergency Health Services explained in an email. “Paramedics cared for three patients and transported them to hospital. They also provided care to a fourth patient who declined hospital transport.”

In a statement to CityNews just after 3:30 p.m., Haebler Construction says the incident happened at the church next to the Butterfly Tower while they were undertaking renovations and seismic upgrade work.

“A chimney collapsed, injuring three construction workers. Firefighters and emergency personnel were quick to respond and all other workers were accounted for,” it said.

“We take the safety of our employees and the workers on site very seriously and 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,” Haebler continued.

It says operations at the site have been suspended and an investigation into the chimney collapse is underway.

“We wish the workers a speedy recovery and wish to express our gratitude to the first responders for their prompt and effective efforts in helping manage the situation,” the company finished.

In an email to CityNews, Skyline Scaffold general manager Jeff Remfert says the workers were standing on the scaffold while working on the building’s chimney when the chimney collapsed into the building.

“The scaffolding had nothing to do with the incident,” he wrote. “The scaffolding was erected around the chimney, supported from the roof that also disappeared from under the scaffolding.”

Remfert says as the chimney crumbled, the scaffolding then toppled over.

‘It hits close to home’

Jordan Connelly tells CityNews he was working outside in the alley nearby when he heard a loud noise.

“We heard a lot of screaming. As soon as it happened, we knew it was very, very severe, because the first things being said was ‘Call 911’ and ‘Call the ambulance,'” he recalled.

“As far as I understood, a chimney fell onto a set of scaffolding, and there were workers on the scaffolding as well as underneath. When it all collapsed, they were pinned.”

None of those details have been confirmed, with officials saying the cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with WorkSafeBC called in.

“I just really hope they’re okay. I hate to hear of anyone hurting. At the exact spot that they were, I am actually scheduled to be working and doing the exterior in a couple of weeks — that really could happen to anyone,” Connelly said. “It hits close to home.”

Police had been asking people to avoid the area of Nelson and Burrard streets as crews wrapped up. Road closures have since been lifted.

In a statement to CityNews, WorkSafeBC says it is “aware” of the incident, and “two officers have attended the scene.”

–With files from Kier Junos and Cole Schisler