In a stunning turn of events, two buildings in downtown Hamilton unexpectedly collapsed early Monday morning, but miraculously, no injuries were reported. The incident occurred on King Street, near the popular Gore Park, at approximately 6:20 a.m.

Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe confirmed to CTV News Toronto that firefighters arrived at the scene to find a partial collapse, with debris spilling out onto King Street itself. This alarming situation prompted immediate action, including the evacuation of a neighboring building that suffered damage.

According to Cunliffe's statement, the involved buildings had been secured and boarded up for some time, and the property manager had assured authorities that they were unoccupied. “The remaining structures showed signs of significant damage and deterioration, necessitating the establishment of a collapse zone around the affected area for safety reasons,” he explained.

In a proactive measure, local officials from the City’s Building Department assessed the situation and indicated they would issue an Emergency Demolition Order. A demolition company is set to be called in, underscoring the gravity of the disaster.

Amid the chaos, the Hamilton Fire Department deployed their drone unit equipped with thermal imaging technology to search for any signs of life. Thankfully, no heat signatures were detected, further confirming that the area was deserted at the time of the collapse.

The cause of this structural failure remains a mystery. However, Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch voiced concerns about potential negligence, labeling the property a heritage building that succumbed to years of neglect. He stressed the narrow escape from catastrophe, recalling the recent Remembrance Day parade that passed right in front of the imperiled structures. “It’s frightening to imagine what could have happened,” Kroetsch remarked.

In a reassuring update, Cunliffe confirmed that the collapse did not disrupt the Remembrance Day service held at the nearby Cenotaph, allowing the community to honor their fallen heroes without incident.

As emergency responders have now turned the scene over to the city's building department, attention turns to the daunting task of demolition. Residents are left wondering what could be unearthed in the investigation following this shocking event, and concerns linger over safety regulations regarding heritage buildings in downtown Hamilton. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!