A pedestrian walkway in Toronto’s east end partially collapsed Saturday morning.
Police said they were notified of falling concrete just after 6 a.m. in the area of Victoria Park and Danforth avenues.
A chunk of the concrete appears to have fallen, leaving a large hole in the walkway.
The walkway connects the grounds of the Cresent Town Public School to several apartment buildings.
“It’s just nature,” said Toronto Fire Platoon Chief Stefan Cloer, when asked about what could have caused the roughly three-metre high bridge to collapse.
“In our environment, things like salt… get the concrete and steel to deteriorate. The buildings are approximately 40 years old so i think its just time and wear and tear.”
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No one was injured as a result of the collapse.
“We were very fortunate,” said Cloer. “I’m told this bridge is used quite a bit by the residents here, we were very fortunate no one was hurt.”
Councillor Janet Davis’ office tells Global News half the bridge is the responsibility of the Toronto District School Board to maintain, but the other half that collapsed belongs to Pinedale Properties.
In response, Pinedale Properties tells Global News that “the company has complied with all city requirements relating to the pedestrian bridge, and addressed any maintenance issues necessary, under the supervision of a structural engineer.”
It adds that it is co-operating fully with investigations into the collapse.
Meanwhile, TDSB says it will be reaching out to Pinedale Properties to determine the next steps and will be advising parents that the bridge is not open until further notice.
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