A dramatic video has surfaced showing a construction worker falling through a collapsing concrete floor at a building site in downtown Victoria earlier this month.
The incident happened on April 11th at the Spencer Block construction site, located at the corner of Government and Chatham streets.
In the video, a worker operating a power trowel can be seen stepping off the machine just moments before the concrete floor gives way beneath him. He falls through the collapsing floor, while another nearby worker, facing the other direction, quickly runs from the scene.
Despite the alarming footage, sources say the worker escaped with only minor scrapes.
WorkSafeBC has confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incident.
“The purpose of our investigation is to identify the cause of the incident, including any contributing factors, so that similar incidents can be prevented from happening in the future,” a spokesperson stated.
“We are not able to provide any additional details while the investigation is underway.”
This is not the first time the Spencer Block site has been the subject of a WorkSafeBC probe. In 2024, another investigation was launched after a crane dropped a load onto a crane rigger, resulting in the worker being sent to hospital.
The Spencer Block is a mixed-use development that will include both residential and commercial units once completed.
Kyle McIntyre, an experienced rigger, was working on a job site in downtown Victoria on Saturday, September 7th, when the freak accident occurred.
While lifting over 3,000 pounds of formworks, the load suddenly fell from a height of 10 feet. McIntyre, positioned directly beneath the materials, was struck and slammed into the concrete.
The accident knocked him unconscious, leaving him with a concussion, a head laceration, and a severely crushed leg.
According to his family, Kyle, who has worked in the field for many years, is well-versed in safety protocols. Despite his training and experience, he was unable to avoid the falling materials.
