BLAINVILLE, Quebec — A criminal negligence investigation has been initiated by police following a tragic construction site incident that resulted in the death of a worker and injuries to two others. The collapse occurred on Tuesday at a site in Blainville, located north of Montreal, where retaining walls of a commercial building under construction gave way around 11 a.m.

The deceased has been identified as 31-year-old Alexandre Paris, who was employed by a Montreal-area firm specializing in deep foundation design and execution. In addition to Paris's death, two other workers sustained injuries, and a woman was treated for shock after the mobile office she occupied fell into the excavated hole created by the collapse.

Lt. Sara Tousignant of the Blainville police confirmed that the investigation aims to determine if any individuals are criminally liable for the incident. "We are looking into the circumstances surrounding the collapse to see if there was any negligence involved that led to this tragic outcome," Tousignant stated.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and Paris's body was recovered from the rubble later that evening. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and regulations at construction sites, particularly regarding the structural integrity of retaining walls.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to examine the construction practices employed at the site and whether proper safety measures were in place. The local community is mourning the loss of Paris, who was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated worker.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges within the construction industry regarding worker safety and the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.