Spools of elevator cables crash through Walmart roof in Vaughan, causing store closure

Multiplex Canada construction crane in Vaughan drops equipment, putting hole in roof of Vaughan Walmart

Yorkregion.com
April 20, 2020
Jeremy Grimaldi

Thousands of pounds of elevator cable on spools fell through a Vaughan Walmart roof, missing shoppers and employees, but causing the store's closure.

The incident took place on April 15 after the load broke loose from a crane used at the building under construction next to the Walmart, which is located at 101 Edgeley Blvd., according to the Ministry of Labour, which is investigating the incident.

"Thankfully, all associates and customers were safe and uninjured," wrote Walmart spokeswoman Felicia Fefer. "Our store is currently closed as we carry out the necessary clean-up and repairs, but will reopen (Saturday)."

There were not only images taken at the site from inside and out, but also a Tiktok video, that captured the fall.

Ministry inspectors placed three orders on the Multiplex Canada site to bring the employer into compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. There were also orders issued to Walmart Canada. Requirements to provide documents, such as maintenance records on pieces of equipment, were also required from Multiplex.

"As the safety of all site personnel and the community is our number one priority, Multiplex have launched an investigation and are also fully cooperating with the Ministry of Labour," Leanne Triton, spokesperson for Multiplex Canada, wrote.

Multiplex has carried on working at the site even after Doug Ford pared back construction projects to "necessary" infrastructure projects.

The Walmart has agreed to move location when the lease expires in August 2020. The new Walmart will be at 700 Applewood Cres.