WorkSafeBC says it continues to investigate last summer’s fatal crane collapse in Kelowna that killed five men. WorkSafeBC, the RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are currently conducting parallel, independent investigations. Tragedy struck while workers dismantled a tower crane at a construction site on Bernard Ave. and St. Paul Street in Kelowna. Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook and brothers Patrick and Eric Stemmer died while working on site while Brad Zawislak was crushed and killed when the crane hit the building next door. WorkSafeBC’s occupational health and safety (OHS) investigation team says it launched an investigation immediately after the July 2021 incident. Over the past year, WorkSafeBC says it has been working with subject matter experts and engineers to examine the crane’s components, the sequence of events and the work processes that took place during the crane’s dismantling process. WorkSafeBC investigators also reviewed all relevant documents and other evidence, in addition to conducting interviews with witnesses. WorkSafeBC says the completion date of the investigation is unknown at this time. The North Okanagan Labor Council is holding an hour of remembrance on Tuesday, July 12 to remember the five lives lost. The event will start at 10:00 am The memorial service will be held at the intersection of Bernard and St. Paul. A minute’s silence will be observed at the time the accident happened a year ago. Mayor Colin Basran, Kelowna City Council and WorksafeBC will be speaking.
