Damaged crane disrupts traffic in downtown Vancouver; WorkSafeBC investigating

UPDATE Nov. 29, 2019: The damaged crane in downtown Vancouver is being removed afterWorkSafeBC issued a stop-use order. A stop-use order can be issued when the agency believes equipment is not in safe operating condition or not in compliance with regulations.

EARLIER STORY:

WorkSafeBC is investigating after a crane in downtown Vancouver was damaged, disrupting traffic on Thursday morning.

The cause of the damage isn't yet known, but footage of the crane shows a section that appears to be bent.

The crane is at Howe and Drake streetsdowntownon a site operated by Onni Group.

Staff experienced issues with the crane on Thursday morning during a routine safety check, saidOnni Group chief of staff Duncan Wlodarczak.

"As a precaution to ensure the safety of all site staff and nearby vehicle traffic and pedestrians, the site was immediately shut down," he said in an emailed statement.

"The street was closed until a full assessment of the crane could be completed."

Wlodarczak said the company notified the City of Vancouver as soon as the damage was discovered. Safety officers with WorkSafeBC are investigating.