14 people displaced after the collapse of a historic building in Penetanguishene, Ontario.
Residents of a downtown building were woken up early after the building collapsed on Thursday.
At approximately 3 a.m., the Penetanguishene Fire Department received a call about a building collapse, with people possibly trapped, at 78 Main Street in Penetanguishene.
Penetanguishene fire crews found that the walls on both sides of the historic building had collapsed.
Several people were missing and teams began searching for occupants and a*sessing the stability of the building’s structure.
Building collapse at 78 Main Street, Penetanguishene, September 7, 2023.
Provided by Penetanguishene Fire
Building collapse at 78 Main Street, Penetanguishene, September 7, 2023.
Provided by Penetanguishene Fire
A Midland Fire Department Rapid Response Team, Barrie Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team, Simcoe County Paramedics and Provincial Police also a*sisted.
The fire chief said in an emailed statement that all occupants have now been located and no occupants or firefighters were injured.
Main Street between Water and Robert in Penetanguishene remains closed while the emergency crew a*sesses the site.
People are urged to avoid the area as first responders say the site could still be unstable.
The firefighters remain on site and await the arrival of the building manager.
Firefighters say 14 people have been displaced and are currently staying with family, friends or a local hotel following the collapse.
Building collapse at 78 Main Street, Penetanguishene, September 7, 2023.
Provided by Penetanguishene Fire
The cause of this collapse is not known at this time.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified.
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