The alarm bells rang on July 12, 2021, when a crane collapsed during a condominium construction project in downtown Kelowna, British Columbia. With multiple workers confirmed dead and a state of emergency being declared for the city, the incident has shocked the interior region in what has been one of the worst construction accidents in the history of the city.

The accident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. Monday, during the construction of a new 25–story apartment building in the heart of Kelowna. Roughly 100 workers were on the site, and during the process of dismantling the crane, the structure collapsed, giving way to the ground. The steel structure slammed down before coming to rest slumped on top of the base of a neighbouring office building and seniors' home. Passersby gathered around the site of the Brooklyn Tower, bewildered at what they had just witnessed.

Unfortunately, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has confirmed that at least four people have passed away as a result of the collapse, with one other unaccounted for but presumed dead. A sixth person has also been rushed to the hospital but has fortunately emerged with non–life–threatening injuries. The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released, and the families of those affected have declined requests for comments.

Immediately after the fall, the RCMP secured the area, closing the roads and sidewalks around the area. With investigations underway, people have been asked to avoid the site. Even more, the collapse triggered a local state of emergency, as well as substantial damage to surrounding buildings that ultimately resulted in electrical power being unavailable in the area.

Although it is still unsure of what exactly caused the collapse, it can never be a bad idea to exercise caution and care while working. Workplace accidents can have fatal consequences, and it would be in everyone's best interests if we keep ourselves and those around us safe by always staying vigilant and alert on the job.