Workers Injured at Demo Site

Tour Commander, 509.625.7100

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 10:35 a.m.

At approximately 1:35 pm yesterday, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a "long-fall" at a 1421 North Division (formerly Al's Motel). 

The initial arriving companies found two workers reportedly working on or near an elevated walkway extending from the building's north exterior wall. The walkway's surface and its structural components collapsed, sending the two workers plummeting to the ground with bricks and heavy building material.

While ensuring the stability of the building's remaining structural members and the status of utilities, SFD Paramedics and Firefighters entered the rubble to rescue and treat the victims. Both victims suffered severe traumatic injuries were quickly treated and transported for definitive care at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Division Chief Lance Dahl, the City Fire Marshal, led a team that included the City Code Official and other regulators to ensure the site was made safe, public access controlled, and work on the project halted until measures are instituted to ensure worker safety. Department of Labor and Industries is the investigating agency for this incident. This media release will be the final statement relating to the event for SFD.