Four construction workers were killed in an industrial accident in Toronto on Christmas Eve when the scaffolding they were on collapsed and plunged 13 storeys.
Police in 23 Division released few details about the incident but said the incident occurred just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday at 2757 Kipling Avenue, near Steeles Avenue.
A construction crew was hired to repair the balconies of the highrise residential building, according to authorities. Five workers were on the scaffolding when it collapsed from its station on the 13th floor.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene. The fifth victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Police say there will be an investigation to see what caused the scaffolding to collapse. An official with the labour ministry is also at the scene investigating the incident.
Christmas tragedy
The industrial accident wasn't the only Christmas tragedy in Toronto.
Earlier in the day, a two-year-old child choked on what appears to be a loose piece of her crib.
Police say they believe the little girl may have choked on a screw or cap. The crib was hauled away by police for further investigation. Authorities did not release any details on the make or model of the crib.
The child lived with her mother in a second-floor apartment of a residential building near Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue for the last two years.
Neighbours of the child told CTV Toronto the girl was sweet and shy, often hiding behind her mother when she saw a stranger.
One woman started crying when she heard the news, saying she feels devastated by the tragedy.
"It's a terrible thing to lose a child," she said, with tears streaming down her face. "I can't imagine."
