Crane Collapse in Merville and Black Creek Area: Man Freed After Dramatic Rescue……… Read more 👇

Crane Collapse in Merville and Black Creek Area: Man Freed After Dramatic Rescue

June 5, 2025 – Merville/Black Creek, BC

A dramatic rescue unfolded today in the Merville and Black Creek area after a crane working on a local bridge project collapsed, trapping a construction worker underneath debris. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after reports of the incident surfaced shortly after 9:30 a.m.

According to local authorities, the crane was operating as part of an infrastructure upgrade to the North Island Highway bridge when it suddenly gave way, crashing onto the bridge deck and part of the riverbank. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest a potential mechanical failure or ground instability may have been contributing factors.

The trapped man, identified only as a worker in his late 30s, was reportedly operating close to the crane when it fell. Fellow workers immediately called for emergency assistance and began initial efforts to locate and support him. Firefighters, paramedics, and technical rescue teams from Courtenay, Campbell River, and surrounding districts arrived within minutes.

Rescue operations took more than two hours, with teams using hydraulic tools, cutting equipment, and careful coordination to safely extricate the man from beneath twisted metal and construction debris. During the rescue, crews were seen stabilizing the crane’s remains and setting up barriers to prevent further injury or movement.

“He was conscious and talking throughout the process, which was a huge relief,” said Deputy Fire Chief Marla Jennings of the Courtenay Fire Department. “We were dealing with a very precarious situation, with heavy steel and tension in the wreckage. Our crews did an outstanding job.”

Paramedics transported the man to Comox Valley Hospital for further evaluation. As of this afternoon, Island Health confirmed that he is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries, including a broken leg and minor lacerations. No other injuries were reported at the scene.

The bridge construction project, part of a $14.2 million infrastructure improvement plan announced last year, has been temporarily suspended pending a full safety review. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure stated that an independent engineering assessment is underway to determine what caused the crane to fail.

“This is a serious incident, and worker safety is our top priority,” said Transportation Minister Claudia Moore in a brief statement. “We are working with WorkSafeBC and the contractor to ensure all safety protocols are being followed and that a full investigation is completed.”

Local residents expressed concern after the collapse, as many had been watching the project with interest. “It’s shocking,” said Martin Delaney, who lives nearby. “I walk my dog past there almost every morning. Thank God nobody was killed.”

This is the second crane-related incident in the province in the past 12 months, prompting renewed calls from labor organizations for stricter oversight of heavy equipment used on public projects.

For now, emergency crews have cleared the scene, and the area remains closed to traffic. Officials expect the bridge work to be delayed by several weeks as the investigation and cleanup continue. Further updates are expected in the coming days.