What happened
A suspended construction platform fell several storeys to street level in downtown Regina on Tuesday afternoon, damaging a vehicle and leaving two men with injuries that police called non-life-threatening. The collapse occurred at about 2:20 p.m. outside The Hamilton high-rise at 1867 Hamilton St.
Family's close call
David Drinkwater and Claire Johnstone, who are staying in the building, say they were on their way to the hospital with their sick child, Theo, when Johnstone stepped into their parked car and was struck by falling debris just seconds later. Exterior footage provided by the family shows Johnstone entering the vehicle moments before the platform and material landed where she had been standing.
“The vehicle sustained significant damage, but the couple says they are more traumatized by the near miss and the thought of what could have happened.”
The platform came to rest on top of the building’s entrance and appeared lodged in a nearby tree. Bricks and other material were scattered across the sidewalk and road.
Emergency response and injuries
Regina police, paramedics and firefighters were all on scene. Police confirmed two men were found injured and transported to hospital with what they described as non-life-threatening injuries.
- Time of incident: about 2:20 p.m.
- Location: The Hamilton, 1867 Hamilton St., downtown Regina
- People affected: family staying in the building; two men taken to hospital
- Investigators: Regina police and paramedics on scene; Occupational health and safety has opened an investigation
Investigation and safety concerns
Occupational health and safety confirmed it is investigating the collapse but had no further updates as of Wednesday. The exact cause of the platform failure — whether mechanical, anchoring, rigging or operator error — has not been released. Work platforms and suspended access equipment fall under provincial safety regulations; any findings from the investigation could lead to orders or fines if contraventions are identified.
For residents and workers who frequent downtown Regina, the incident raises questions about construction safety and pedestrian protection near active worksites. The platform’s descent onto sidewalk space and the apparent proximity to parked vehicles and passersby underlines the potential public risk when elevated access equipment fails.
Local impact and next steps
Officials have not said whether any part of Hamilton Street remained closed overnight or whether building occupants were displaced. The family whose footage captured the event reported significant vehicle damage; they stressed the emotional toll of the near miss.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Injured | Two men, transported to hospital (non-life-threatening) |
| Property damage | Family vehicle badly damaged; debris across sidewalk and street |
| Investigation | Occupational health and safety investigating; Regina police on scene |
City officials and the building’s management were not quoted in early reports. As the provincial investigation proceeds, residents should expect updates from occupational health and safety and Regina police, particularly if there are closures or safety directives for other nearby construction sites.
Downtown activity relies on construction and maintenance work, but this incident is a reminder that safety measures — barricades, exclusion zones, equipment inspections and worker training — are critical to protect pedestrians and residents. Neighbours and commuters in Regina will be watching for the investigation’s findings and any recommended changes to on-site practices.
Further details are expected as investigators review video, inspect equipment and interview witnesses. Anyone with additional footage or information about the collapse has been asked to contact Regina police to assist the ongoing probe.
