Sault native critically injured by falling concrete slab

A Sault native is in critical condition in Hamilton General Hospital after being pinned down by a large slab of falling concrete.  

Pentti (Ben) Paavilainen, 64, was trapped from the thighs down Thursday, July 21 after the concrete slab fell away from a private dam in the Flamboro area, near Hamilton, reported the Hamilton Spectator.

Paavilainen, a skilled trades worker, was inspecting the dam with another worker when the incident occurred.

Paavilainen was flown by air ambulance to hospital in Hamilton after fire services and emergency services workers, with the help of a large crane, were able to free him from the slab.

Paramedics sedated the man to ease his pain as much as possible as crews worked to extricate him.

He suffered broken bones in his left leg, has already undergone a partial amputation of his right leg and is on a ventilator to help him breathe.

More surgery will be necessary.

"We're all very worried about him and we're hoping he's going to pull through and make a full recovery…he still has a few surgeries he's going to have to go through, he's got a long road to recovery," said the Sault's Megan Fife, speaking to SooToday Tuesday.

Paavilainen is a long-time friend of Fife's family. 

Paavillainen, Fife said, had left the Sault recently for work.

"We were shocked, we just couldn't believe that it happened, it's just terrible, just awful," Fife said.

"He's a wonderful man, a skilled worker who's amazing at his trade."

Fife said Paavillainen's close friend Sandra Hall is by his side, staying overnight at special accommodation provided by the hospital for families of its patients.

A GoFundMe site has been set up to raise funds to support the couple during what will be a long stay in hospital.

"We know they're going to need money, and any amount will help," Fife said.

"I'm feeling hopeful, I really think he's going to be all right."

It is not known what caused the concrete slab to fall.

Hamilton Police and the Ministry of Labour are investigating.