July 21, 2010

Warehouse roof collapses during storm in Edmonton

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

The roof of a warehouse for a building material supply company in Edmonton partially collapsed during a storm last week and investigators are trying to figure out why it happened.

“We had a complete out-of-the-blue crazy wind storm before it fell,” said a spokesperson for Pacific West Systems Supply, who didn’t want to give his name.

“There was a gust of wind and one of the guys heard cracking and then the north wall began to give out. The guys were in there, but they were able to get out right away. No one was injured.”

Edmonton was hit with heavy rain and winds on July 13, which caused a wall to fall down and part of a warehouse roof to collapse.

It is located in an industrial area near 147 Street and Yellowhead Trail.

The company spokesperson said they phoned ATCO Gas and 15 trucks arrived within five minutes.

The fire department reported that a gas leak also occurred after one of the building’s gas meters bent.

Pacific West Systems Supply was using the 17,000 square foot warehouse to store building materials, including insulation and ceiling products. The collapse resulted in pink insulation being spilled out of the building, while the roof dropped in one piece on top of it.

“It put a damper on operations for a couple of days, but we have taken measures to keep our customers satisfied,” said the man, who answered the phone.

“This puts a bit of a strain on business and we had to put some business off and cancel orders. But the customers have been good and they are working with us.”

An investigation to determine the cause of the collapse is being undertaken by three engineers hired by the company, as well as Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S).

“We were there through most of the day (July 14), because it happened at 4:30 p.m.,” said Alberta OH&S spokesperson Barrie Harrison.

“About 100 feet of warehouse wall collapsed causing a portion of the roof to cave in. There was significant rain and wind at the time.”

He said a stop work order was issued for entry to the facility and the investigation is ongoing.

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