Cornwall, ON – A devastating workplace accident occurred over the weekend, leaving a Stantec employee, Karen Liu, seriously injured. The incident has prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident, highlighting the pressing need for workplace safety.
The victim, identified as Karen Liu, a 32-year-old civil engineer hailing from Cornwall, Ontario, sustained severe injuries during the incident. Karen Liu, a valued member of the Stantec team, had been with the company for five years, serving as a Bridge Team Lead.
Preliminary reports suggest that the incident was indeed a workplace accident, emphasizing the paramount importance of safety precautions. On the fateful day of October 23, 2023, Karen Liu was at a construction site in Cornwall, where a team was working on a bridge project spanning the St. Lawrence River. Tragically, while inspecting the bridge’s foundation, a crane malfunctioned and collapsed, pinning her beneath a heavy steel beam.
Karen Liu’s ordeal, trapped under the wreckage, was harrowing, with several fractures and internal injuries. It took rescue workers precious minutes to reach her and extract her from the perilous situation. She was swiftly rushed to Cornwall Community Hospital for emergency surgery.
While medical staff at the hospital are working diligently to stabilize her condition, the hospital has refrained from disclosing details about her prognosis and recovery. As of now, Karen Liu remains in critical but stable condition, with her family by her side.
In the wake of this tragic incident, Stantec expressed deep sadness and shock, acknowledging Karen’s invaluable contributions to the company’s success. The company has pledged full cooperation with authorities to determine the accident’s cause and to reinforce the safety of its workers.
The Cornwall community has rallied behind Karen Liu and her family, offering an outpouring of support through flowers, cards, and donations sent to the hospital and her residence. Colleagues and friends have organized a prayer vigil at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, coming together to pray for Karen’s recovery and healing.
This heartbreaking accident underscores the inherent risks faced by workers across various professions and serves as a somber reminder of the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees.
