Building Collapse in Downtown Ottawa: A Shocking Turn of Events

Partial Building Collapse in Ottawa

I'm here on Slater Street in downtown Ottawa where behind me a four-story parcade has partially collapsed.

You can see on the top level a panel is missing and down below is snow and debris. Ottawa Fire Services say that around 5:00 Tuesday night a caller reported that a pillar and a column were damaged inside the parade.

When crews arrived, they confirmed that five or six girders were actually bowing. City engineers deemed the building at imminent risk of collapse. The partial collapse is believed to have happened in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

Vehicles Trapped Inside

There are still vehicles inside the parcade, and owners are being told they cannot retrieve them at this time. The ramp to the upper levels is missing, leaving the extraction plan uncertain.

City Officials Respond

The focus now is on removing debris and stabilizing the structure. The situation remains precarious as officials work to ensure public safety.

Stay Updated for More Information

As the story unfolds, CBC News Ottawa will provide updates on this development. Stay tuned for the latest information and insights as the situation progresses.