Qualicum Beach Fire Chief Darryl Kohse recounted the dramatic rescue made by his members to Qualicum Beach town council Monday night.
The incident took place Wednesday, Jan. 29. A man was working on his roof when he fell through the house, which was under construction, into his basement. He suffered facial injuries and a skull fracture at the back of his head.
The challenge for firefighters was getting him out of the basement, Kohse said, as the stairs were yet to be put in the home. They managed to get the stretcher out a window by using a ladder. They then facilitated a helicopter recovery of the man at the lower ball field in Qualicum Beach. The man was flown to Victoria Hospital and Kohse couldn’t confirm his condition, but he said he understood the man was put into a drug-induced coma.
• Town of Qualicum Beach staff will be proceeding with the demolition the Heritage Forest Stables building when vacant, after a motion passed at Monday night’s meeting. Mayor Teunis Westbroek said a report indicates the poor quality of the structure and the costs associated of fixing it, including a new roof. Director of engineering Bob Weir said the building has also been tested for hazardous material and asbestos has been found in the drywall. The motion passed unanimously. The resident has been previously ordered to vacate the premises by Feb. 15.
