The Ontario Provincial Police and a team of independent engineers are beginning a staged series of on-site activities to continue the investigation of the June 23 roof collapse at the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake.

The collapse killed Lucie Aylwin and Doloris Perizzolo.

Beginning today, members of OPP Urban Search and Rescue, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive Response Team (UCRT) will be using their technical and heavy equipment skills to begin shoring up the structure to allow for the next stages of the criminal investigation, beginning with removing vehicles from the rooftop parking area, according to a news release.

The OPP have retained independent third-party engineers and contractors - NORR Limited and Priestly Demolition - to assist with the investigation at each stage.

Evidence gathered at the scene will then be retained by the OPP Forensic Identification Unit in Sault Ste. Marie for further analysis.

Inspectors from the Ontario Ministry of Labour will continue to oversee all activities at the site. Once police access is gained, investigators will work as diligently and as expeditiously as possible to gather all of the necessary information to support a successful investigation, the OPP stated.

In the stages to follow, police and engineers will begin a more detailed investigation of the condition of the structure, including creating a 3-D diagram for future reference.

Members of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) continue to ask anyone who believes they have information that may be important to this investigation to contact the dedicated information line at 1-855-677-4636 (1-855-OPP-INFO).

The OPP will continue to provide media updates with regard to this investigation as information becomes available.

Posted by Arron Pickard