The crane probe still works
Photo: Colin Dacre
WorkSafeBC says they are still investigating the deadly collapse of last summer’s crane in Kelowna that killed five men.
WorkSafeBC, RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are conducting parallel and independent investigations.
A tragedy occurred while workers were dismantling a tower crane at a construction site on Bernard Ave. and St. Paul Street and Kelowna.
Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook and brothers Patrick and Eric Stemmer died while working on the site while Brad Zawislak was crushed and killed when the crane hit the building next door.
WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) research team says it began an investigation immediately after the incident in July 2021.
Over the past year, WorkSafeBC says it has been working with experts and engineers in the field to examine crane components, the sequence of events, and work procedures that took place during the crane dismantling process.
WorkSafeBC researchers have also examined all relevant documentation and other evidence, in addition to conducting witness interviews.
WorkSafeBC says the end date of the investigation is unknown.
The North Okanagan Labor Council is organizing an hour of remembrance on Tuesday, July 12 to commemorate the five lives lost.
The event will begin at 10:00 p.m.
The commemorative ceremony will take place at the intersection of Carrer Bernat and Sant Pau. There will be a moment of silence at the time the accident occurred a year ago.
Mayor Colin Basran, Kelowna City Council and WorksafeBC will speak.