Probe into Bluesfest stage collapse continues
Posted Jul 19, 2011 05:32:12 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Eastern Ontario continues to pick up the pieces after Sunday’s wave of severe thunderstorms roared through the region, ripping up trees and knocking down power lines.
It also took aim at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest stage which crumpled in the howling winds clocked at 96 kilometres an hour.
However, the manufacturer of the stage, Group Berger contends it’s structure is built to withstand winds of 120 kilometres an hour.
Environment Canada Senior Climatologist Dave Phillips lays the blame at the feet of climate change.
While Ontario’s Ministry of Labour probes the collapse, the remains of the stage will be destined for the recycling box.
The wrath of the storm has knocked out power to thousands in the city and outlying areas.
About 1 thousand Hydro Ottawa customers are without electricity in patches in the city.
Hydro One is reporting some sporadic outages in Manotick, Edwards, and Fitzroy Harbour.
The sound of chain saws will ring out through Renfrew, Arnprior and Pembroke as crews continue to cut their way through branches and trees to hook up the power.
Environment Canada says be ready for more, as hot and humid weather continues and that will bring more severe storms.
