After a building at a worksite partially collapsed in North Vancouver this morning, one person has been hospitalized with injuries and a second person has been presumed dead.

Around 9:45 a.m. today (August 25), North Vancouver RCMP responded to a report about an industrial accident at a construction site located on Chesterfield Avenue, between West 1 Street and Esplanade Avenue.

In addition, both the North Vancouver City Fire Department and the B.C. Ambulance Service also responded and attended the scene.

Traffic on Chesterfield Avenue was rerouted during the emergency response.  

The building was at the former six-screen Cineplex Esplanade movie theatre site at 200 West Esplanade, which closed in 2019 and is under demolition.  

At the location, one individual was rescued from the debris and taken to hospital with injuries, which are believed to be non-life-threatening. This person’s current condition is unknown.

A second person was located within the debris but died from “catastrophic injuries”, according to North Vancouver RCMP.

Due to risk of further collapse, personnel have been unable to recover the body.

Once the site has been deemed safe, the B.C. Coroner Service will make any official confirmation of death.

RCMP stated that they aren't releasing any further details as the investigation into the collapse remains underway.