Crane operator saved from fire in Kingston, Ont.
Helicopter saves crane operator who was trapped high above burning buildings
A crane operator who was stranded above a massive fire in Kingston, Ont., has boarded a helicopter in a dramatic rescue.
A rescue helicoptor from CFB Trenton arrived at the scene above Princess and Victoria Streets shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday to reach the worker, who was trapped high in the air while fire crews put out a blaze below.
He was taken to hospital with only minor injuries, according to Kingston Police.
The fire began at about 2 p.m. at a student housing building under construction near the 600 block of Princess Street, according to Kingston police Const. Steve Koopman. The building, which was vacant, was engulfed in flames.
Confirm crane operator taken to local hospital. Believed to have only minor injuries. #ygkfire
— Kingston Police (@kingstonpolice) December 17, 2013
Firefighters heard from residents of possible explosions and feared there was a potential for a propane leak.
Although the fire has currently been contained, Koopman noted there is a gas station across the street.
A building near the student housing building also caught on fire, police confirmed. They are also concerned about a nearby Howard Johnson hotel.
Residents living within a half-kilometre of the building are being asked to vacate their homes as a precaution.
@YGKTraffic @CBCOttawa Crane operator looks to be at the tip pic.twitter.com/QyWnPyYF6t
— Bruce Cadieux (@BruceCadieux) December 17, 2013
Another pic of crane operator stuck on his crane in the #KingstonFire. CFB Trenton sending heli, arriving in 5mins pic.twitter.com/V6PbthIn3G
— Adam Wylde (@AdamWylde) December 17, 2013
What a photo! RT: @Journo_Morgan Search and rescue just saved the man on the crane. @CKWS_TV pic.twitter.com/STEcrAbNT6
— Matt Llewellyn (@mattllewellyn88) December 17, 2013
Huge fire in Kingston: Look at the tip of the crane - that's the crane operator. The crane could buckle at any time. pic.twitter.com/Y3jIWO2Xvi
— Adam Wylde (@AdamWylde) December 17, 2013
Fire in #Kingston ON Crane op stuck on his rig RT @Journo_Morganne Crane could topple over at any minute pic.twitter.com/PIb52XDMAI #breaking
— Shannon Martin (@ShannonMartinTV) December 17, 2013