A construction worker has died after part of an overhead canopy collapsed at the Fairmont Winnipeg, which is closed for renovations. A provincial spokesperson said the worker, employed by Kepsco Construction, was fatally injured Thursday during asbestos abatement work. Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health is investigating, and no further information can be released at this time, the spokesperson said. Winnipeg police said officers were dispatched to the area around 5 p.m. to help Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service respond to a workplace accident. In a statement, James Richardson & Sons Ltd., which owns the hotel, said the general contractor overseeing the exterior renovation notified the company of the death. The statement said the worker was employed by a subcontractor but did not provide their name or age. It said Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and Winnipeg Police Service responded to the scene and Workplace Safety and Health was notified right away. “Management, directors and shareholders of Lombard Hospitality are deeply saddened by this tragic news,” the statement said, extending condolences to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues. “Out of respect, all flags outside the hotel have been lowered to half-mast.” CTV News has reached out to Kepsco Construction for comment. The hotel closed to all guests this summer for extensive renovations, including remodeling of all 340 rooms.
