Kingston crane rescue

A spectacular fire that destroyed a huge condo development in Kingston Tuesday was a catastrophe waiting to happen according to at least one Kingston resident. A letter to Kingston City Council more than a month ago warned of the possibility of a massive fire.

Tuesday’s fire sparked the dramatic rescue of a crane operator, trapped by the massive blaze, which destroyed a large condo development being built to house university students next year. But over a month ago, at least one neighbourhood resident was highly critical of the project, and demanding that the city do something to reduce the risk of a possible fire. Sharon Deline wrote a letter to Kingston City Council saying: “Residents commonly referred to the structure as “the tinderbox” and suggesting that there was an extremely high probability that a fire would occur. She went on to outline concerns about the wood and particle-board construction materials being used, the size of the structure, and the possibility that a neighbouring gas station added to the danger.” She concluded her letter by stating: “It is hard to feel safe in the City when the decisions being made by the Planning Committee and by City Council do not appear to care for the safety and welfare of the Residents.”

However, the major concern for city officials at the moment, is the structural damage done to the construction crane. There is a concern that the charred, and badly damaged crane could collapse at any time. As for the crane operator rescued by the helicopter he is recovering, and in stable condition in hospital. Area residents have now been allowed to return to their homes and there’s at least one photo in circulation that indicates that someone out there has a slightly twisted sense of humour. Luckily, with no serious injuries or fatalities, it’s possible to laugh at that one.