Ottawa’s structural collapse team was dispatched to the city’s south end after a traffic incident sent a vehicle into a commercial building.
Emergency crews arrived shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday at a property on Manotick Main Street, where a collision involving two vehicles caused a minivan to leave the roadway and strike a two-storey historic building. Snowy conditions were present as responders worked at the scene.
Fire officials reported that the building contained a business on the lower level with living space above. The impact severely damaged the front of the structure, forcing part of the wall inward and raising concerns about stability. Both drivers managed to exit their vehicles safely.
Firefighters cleared the interior of the business so stabilization efforts could begin. Crews installed temporary structural supports, including reinforcement in the basement and vertical bracing extending through the upper floors, to redistribute the load of the building.
Police shut down nearby roads to support the operation. Once the structure was secured, the vehicle was safely removed. Thanks to the rapid response, residents upstairs were able to remain in their homes, and no injuries were reported.