Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Kelowna RCMP has wrapped up its investigation into a crane collapse that resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals in 2021. Charges for Criminal Negligence Causing Death have been recommended by the Mounties and a report has been submitted to the BC Prosecution Service for assessment.
Superintendent Kara Triance of the Kelowna RCMP expressed the enormity of the incident, stating that the investigation involved numerous officers and extensive evidence gathering. The identities of those being recommended for charges have not been disclosed at this time.
The devastating incident took place on July 12, 2021, when a crane at a construction site in downtown Kelowna collapsed onto a nearby building. Initially, four individuals were pronounced dead, with a fifth person later identified as a man who was working in a neighbouring building that was crushed by the wreckage.
Following the crane collapse, a state of emergency was declared in the city, with evacuations ordered for surrounding buildings as a safety precaution. The dismantled remains of the crane were eventually removed in the days that followed.
Mission Group, the developer of the 28-storey building where the crane fell, attributed the collapse to a “catastrophic failure” during the dismantling process. The Kelowna RCMP emphasized the complexity of the investigation, noting the need for a thorough and methodical approach to preserve the integrity of the probe.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, calls for improved protocols and mandatory training for individuals involved in erecting and dismantling tower cranes gained momentum. Communities across British Columbia showed solidarity with the construction industry and the grieving families by displaying high-visibility vests outside their homes.
As the investigation into the crane collapse in Kelowna reaches its conclusion, the community continues to mourn the loss of lives and advocates for enhanced safety measures in the construction sector. The impact of this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in all workplace environments..