A family residing in Squamish, British Columbia, is relieved to have survived a close call during a construction incident on Hamilton Street. Claire Johnstone, along with her young son, narrowly avoided disaster when a scaffold collapsed next to their car on August 11.
Johnstone recounted the frightening experience of hearing the scaffold crash down beside the car as she was securing her son in his car seat. Concerned for their safety, she urged her husband to quickly drive away from the falling debris.
The car, with a glass roof, was struck by metal and other objects from the collapsing scaffold. The family, including Johnstone’s mother and partner, felt panicked and vulnerable during the ordeal.
After parking the car and assessing the situation, they witnessed two individuals injured in what authorities later termed a workplace accident. Emergency services were alerted by passersby as the area was cordoned off for investigation by police and occupational health and safety officials.
Despite the alarming incident, the family had to proceed to the hospital to have their son, Theo, checked for any injuries. Upon reviewing the Tesla’s footage later, Johnstone was shocked to see how close the falling debris came to hitting them, particularly her son.
Reflecting on the incident, Johnstone expressed her emotional turmoil and gratitude for their safety but also acknowledged the lingering trauma from the near miss. She pondered the “what ifs” and how minor decisions, like where they parked, could have dramatically altered the outcome.
Johnstone emphasized the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones, acknowledging the fragility of life and the value of being present in every moment. The family considers themselves fortunate to have escaped unharmed from a situation that could have ended tragically.
