A search and rescue helicopter lowers a worker to rescue a crane operator during a fire in downtown Kingston, Ont., Tuesday, Dec.17, 2013.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg
December 17, 2013 - 4:27 PM
KINGSTON, Ont. - Police in Kingston, Ont., say a worker who was trapped on a construction crane above a massive fire for more than an hour suffered only minor injuries.
The crane operator was stranded atop the crane when fire broke out at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday in an apartment building that is under construction.
A Griffon helicopter from CFB Trenton plucked the worker from the crane at 3:35 p.m. and took him to a waiting ambulance.
Police say all the other construction workers at the site are believed to be accounted for.
Officers are going door-to-door in the neighbourhood advising residents to evacuate as there is concern the fire could spread to nearby buildings, including a hotel and a gas station.
Police say a home near the burning building has caught fire.
City buses have been pressed into service to shuttle residents who live within a few blocks of the blaze to an evacuation centre.
Police said they'll be advising residents when they can re-enter the evacuation zone for pets or other items.
A public school a few blocks away was also evacuated.
Utilities have been shut down in the area to make it safe for those battling the fire.
LINKS:
Crane operator saved from fire in Kingston, Ont. - CBC
Chopper rescues crane operator trapped in massive Kingston, Ont. blaze - CTV: video
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013