Evacuation order updated for Kelowna crane collapse site

All but one property has been removed from the evacuation order issued after the Kelowna construction crane collapse on July 12.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says the technical work of removing the remaining portions of the damaged crane at the construction site is now complete. Site engineer and utilities providers have also completed infrastructure and safety inspections, allowing the evacuation order to be updated.

Twenty addresses on Bertram and St. Paul Streets have been removed from the order.

The evacuation order for residents remains in place for 1450 Bertram Street.

“The order remains in place for this address until the building owner and insurance team deem the building safe for re-entry as there are health and safety concerns that need to be addressed,” the agency stated.

Four construction workers died when the arm of a crane fell about 25 storeys as it was being dismantled, while a fifth man was killed when the wreckage crushed part of a neighbouring building where he was working.

The BC Coroners Service, RCMP and WorkSafeBC are investigating the incident.

Property owners are encouraged to inspect their buildings to ensure the safety of residents/ customers upon re-entry. Note that power has been restored but gas will not be restored until later this week for the following properties: 1441 St. Paul, 1449 St. Paul, 1461 St. Paul and 1450 Bertram St.

After a prolonged power outage, it will be important to inspect the food items in refrigerators and freezers for food safety.