Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services were called to a rescue in downtown Wednesday morning.
Spokesperson Capt. Matthew Trudeau told Global News that firefighters were called at 10:42 a.m. to the First Baptist Church at the corner of Nelson and Burrard Streets.
Three workers had been trapped on one of the elevated levels at a construction site by some scaffolding and rocks, Trudeau said.
It happened after a chimney accidentally collapsed, taking the scaffolding with it.
Rescue crews were able to free all three workers and bring them down to safety, before taking them to the hospital.
Trudeau said all three people were conscious at the time they were rescued and each of them had small to moderate injuries.
“We did have to cut some of the scaffolding apart to access some of the workers who were underneath the scaffolding that prevented them from getting out,” he added.
B.C. Emergency Health Services said seven ambulances, a paramedic supervisor and a BCEHS area manager responded to the scene.
Paramedics cared for three patients and transported them to hospital. They also provided care to a fourth patient who declined hospital transport.
According to the Haebler Group, crews were doing renovations and seismic upgrade work when the chimney collapsed.
A statement reads in part: “We take the safety of our employees and the workers on site very seriously … We are working with WorkSafeBC and the City of Vancouver to investigate and are closely monitoring the care and recovery of the workers.”
WorkSafeBC and the City of Vancouver have been called in.
Operations at the site have been suspended while an investigation is underway.
Sign up to receive newsletters and breaking news email alerts.
Comments