Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Local News

Mantha: Time to re-double efforts. Searchers return to mall

A resident of Elliot Lake is reporting that the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team has returned to the Algo Mall to at least reassess the situation.
SooToday Staff

A resident of Elliot Lake is reporting that the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team has returned to the Algo Mall to at least reassess the situation.

Following are full texts of releases from MPP Michael Mantha, whose office is in Elliot Lake and from Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty

*************************
Statement from MPP Michael Mantha on rescue efforts in Elliot Lake

Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, released the following statement:

Two days ago, a tragic accident in my community united us in shock and in grief.

Since then our community has been united in efforts to save every life we can.

Earlier today, my community learned that rescue efforts were being abandoned and we are, once again, united in shock, in grief and in outrage.

I can not believe that a mere 48 hours after these tragic events, there is nothing further to do.

I don't accept it.

The people of Elliot Lake don't accept it and I don't believe Canadians will accept it.

We can not leave people behind while there is hope.

The Premier must take all steps needed to continue the effort and we have contacted the Prime Minister's Office to ensure that federal resources are deployed as well.

This is not the time to give up. This is the time re-double our efforts.
 
*************************
Statement from the Premier: rescue operations In Elliot Lake
 
(June 25) - Premier McGuinty released the following statement this evening on rescue operations in Elliot Lake: 
 
"Ontarians have been hoping and praying that rescuers could reach any survivors in the rubble of the collapsed Algo Mall in Elliot Lake.
 
Today, we learned that the remaining structure has de-stabilized further.
 
Authorities on the scene believe it has become extremely difficult to predict whether it may collapse and that further rescue efforts could endanger the lives of the rescuers.
 
I have spoken to Emergency Management Ontario and the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team and have instructed them to determine if there is any other way possible to reach any victims without endangering our rescuers, including the use of equipment to dismantle the building from the exterior.
 
I believe we owe it to the families waiting for word of their loved ones to leave no stone unturned.
 
We owe that to the people of Elliot Lake too. Ontarians expect nothing less."
 
*************************
Additional SooToday.com coverage of this story
 

 

What's next?

If you would like to apply to become a Verified reader Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.