Earlier today, part of a four-storey building under construction at 555 Teeple Terrace collapsed. Efforts at this time have now shifted from rescue to recovery as emergency responders have confirmed that the individual who remains trapped as a result of the collapse is deceased.
Efforts to recover the individual have been delayed because the structure that is left following the partial collapse is not currently stable. First responders have determined that to ensure the safety of everyone working on site, recovery efforts could take some time.
This is the second fatality as a result of the collapse, as one of the patients transferred to hospital this afternoon is also deceased. There were four other people transferred to hospital, and one additional patient assessed on scene with a minor injury, but who was not transferred to hospital.
“Today is a difficult day for Londoners,” said Mayor Ed Holder. “I know the community joins me in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of the two people who lost their lives today, and in expressing our care and concern for those who were injured and remain in hospital. My thanks go to all of our first responders and to our emergency management team for their swift action and unwavering commitment to serving our community in the wake of this tragic incident.”
Recovery work will continue. This work is being done with the support of the Provincial Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team. As well, an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse is underway.
Residents are asked to continue to avoid the area.