Moose FM CKNR 94.1 - Elliot Lake

COLLAPSED: A portion of the Algo Centre Mall's upper parking lot came crashing down this afternoon. Emergency crews are on scene and ask that people stay away from the location as they do their work.

Emergency crews are on scene at the Algo Centre Mall in downtown Elliot Lake after a part of the upper parking lot came crashing down. It happened around 2pm today. The partial collapse destroyed the mall’s kiosk area, which is opposite the food court. We have word of there being several injuries, but no casualties have been reported. There are reports of people still missing. Emergency crews were on the scene quickly within about five minutes of the collapse. Officials urge people to steer clear of the location while they do their work. The cause has not been determined, but the roof was known to have had leakage problems. There were reports of a gas leak and the area around the mall has been cordoned off. At 3:55pm, Mayor Hamilton declared a state of local emergency. An emergency drop-in centre for members of the public who may have friends or relatives that were at the mall and who are still missing/or who have questions about how they can retrieve their vehicles can go to the Collins Hall, located on Hillside Drive North in Elliot Lake or call toll free at 1-888-310-1122. The downtown core is closed off. There is no access.