Crane operator trapped by raging fire rescued by military chopper in Kingston

KINGSTON, Ont. – Police in Kingston, Ont., say a worker who was trapped on a construction crane above a massive fire for more than an hour suffered only minor injuries.

The crane operator was stranded atop the crane when fire broke out at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday in an apartment building that is under construction.

A Griffon helicopter from CFB Trenton plucked the worker from the crane at 3:35 p.m. and took him to a waiting ambulance.

Police say all the other construction workers at the site are believed to be accounted for.

Officers are going door-to-door in the neighbourhood advising residents to evacuate as there is concern the fire could spread to nearby buildings, including a hotel and a gas station.

Police say a home near the burning building has caught fire.

City buses have been pressed into service to shuttle residents who live within a few blocks of the blaze to an evacuation centre.

Police said they'll be advising residents when they can re-enter the evacuation zone for pets or other items.

A public school a few blocks away was also evacuated.

Utilities have been shut down in the area to make it safe for those battling the fire.

LINKS: 

Crane operator saved from fire in Kingston, Ont. – CBC

Chopper rescues crane operator trapped in massive Kingston, Ont. blaze – CTV: video