B.C. Family's Near-Miss During Regina Scaffolding Collapse

A family visiting Regina from Squamish, B.C., experienced a frightening close call on August 11th when scaffolding collapsed near their parked vehicle. Claire Johnstone was in the process of securing her young son into his car seat when the structure fell. She described the sound as deafening and initially thought the car was being hit by something other than falling construction materials.

Johnstone recounted the intense fear she felt as debris struck the car, which had a glass roof. She urged her husband, who was driving, to move the vehicle away from the building. Unbuckled at the time, she shielded her son, fearing for their safety and feeling powerless as metal and other materials impacted the car. Her mother and partner were also in the vehicle during the alarming event.

After safely moving the car, the family exited to assess the situation. They observed two construction workers who appeared to be injured and hooked to safety lines. Pedestrians were alerted to call emergency services. Police and occupational health and safety officials investigated the incident, which was officially classified as a workplace accident. Two men sustained injuries as a result.

The family was en route to the hospital with their son, Theo, when the accident occurred. Reviewing their Tesla's camera footage later, Johnstone was visibly shaken by the close proximity of the falling debris, particularly a large brick that struck the car's hood. She expressed profound relief that the outcome wasn't more tragic, considering the potential for severe injury or worse to her son and family.

Despite being unharmed, the experience has deeply affected Johnstone, leading to sleep disturbances and anxiety. She reflected on the fragility of life and felt grateful for the time spent with her son, noting that if the worst had happened, she would have had no regrets about how she spent her recent time. The incident prompted a re-evaluation of life and a deep appreciation for her family's safety.