‘Like an explosion’: Two years since historic Penetanguishene building collapse

The remains of the historic Main Street building in Penetanguishene on Wed., Sept. 13, 2023. (CTV News/Mike Arsalides)

Sunday marked two years since the collapse of an 100-year-old historic apartment building on Main Street in Penetanguishene. A heartbreaking event that left more than a dozen residents displaced.

Neighbours recalled the early hours of the morning on Thurs., Sept. 7, 2023, describing the sound of the collapse as similar to an explosion.

One tenant who lived at 78 Main Street rolled out of his second-story bedroom onto the sidewalk as the building crumbled to the ground.

Despite the destruction, officials confirmed that everyone made it out safely. Town officials said that fourteen people were left without homes as many lost all of their belongings in the rubble leaving them homeless with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

The chaos also led to the closure of four businesses in the area.

The Red Cross provided emergency accommodation, meals, and clothing for those unable to stay with family and find short-term security.

Two beloved pets, initially believed to be missing after the collapse, were later found alive and reunited with their owners.

In the depths of the explosion, firefighters also managed to recover four family urns and return them to their owners.

The County of Simcoe, Red Cross, Empower Simcoe, and Salvation Army stepped in to provide shelter, aid, and support for those displaced as they began the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Demolition shortly began on what remained of the destroyed building in the heart of the town, leaving tenants and businesses facing an uncertain future.

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