'It's been quite a problem:' Demolition begins a month after truck crashes into building
The process to remove a truck that crashed into a building in Atwood a month ago started on Wednesday, as portions of the building were torn down to help dislodge the truck.
The logging truck and trailer crashed into the building around 6:15 a.m. Sep. 5, 2022. Diana Henning lives across the street from the crash site, and said she has been waiting for the demolition to happen ever since the crash.
“Every day you’d wonder if they’re going to do something, but they’d always put it off,” Henning said.
The building was originally a funeral home and furniture store. It was being turned into apartments, but had to be torn down because the truck hit the other side of the doublewide structure and was lodged in the building.
The owner of the property declined an interview but said he tried to get financial help as he thought the building could still be saved, but engineers determined it had to be torn down.
As locals waited weeks for something to happen, they started poking fun at the crash site, putting up a sign down the street that read “SEE ATWOOD’S FAMOUS TRUCK LEAVE A NICKEL” and “TRUCK FOR SALE AS IS WHERE IS.” Henning said she was also planning to make it a Halloween display if it was still there at the end of October.
“I was thinking that we were going to decorate if they don’t soon get it out. But they’re working at it,” Henning said.
According to Ontario Provincial Police, the driver was charged with careless driving, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Demolition crews shut down Main Street as they moved chunks of the building on Wednesday. Onlookers said they were happy to see it happening.
“Good to see right now. It’s been quite a problem for the last month while it’s been sitting there,” James Lisewski, who lives beside the crash site said. “So many people stopping out here looking at it, and everyone would ask you what happened. So you would have to keep telling them over and over.”
Lisewski said although it’s just a different eyesore now, it’s at least a step in the right direction.
“In a way, it’s good to see it go. On the other hand, I kind of feel sorry for the guy that owns it, because he has put a lot of money and time in there. So it’s just one of those things,” Lisewski said.
With files from CTV London.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.