Burned out buildings come down in Hanover, Ont.
The flames were so intense from Thursday’s early morning fire in Hanover that neighbour Lisa Schnittker started grabbing her things to evacuate, fearing the flames would spread to her home.
“It was terrifying. The crashes from the hydro transformers exploding. People coming out of everywhere. It was so scary,” she said.
The flames didn’t reach her home, so Schnittker picked up her camera and captured the epic and tragic destruction of two downtown buildings, home to two businesses, and The Forum rooming house, with more than 50 tenants who escaped with nothing more than the clothes on their back.
“A lot of people lost their homes and everything they own,” said Schnittker.
One of the businesses destroyed was Fabulous Fashions Consignment Boutique. Owner Sue Tipper hasn’t been allowed back in to salvage anything, and will watch today as her livelihood gets turned into rubble.
Multiple buildings were destroyed when a large structure fire broke out in Hanover, Ont. in the early morning hours of May 19, 2022. (Source: Lisa Schnittker)
“I put everything I had into that store. Everything,” she said.
The demolition of these downtown buildings, which were over a century old, will leave a huge hole in Hanover’s downtown, with no real sense of when or if they’ll be rebuilt.
“It’s been devastating for the whole Hanover area. As you can see, it’s a 100-year-old building that has just gone up in flames,” said Hanover resident, Evelyn Smith.
Ontario’s Fire Marshal’s Office is on scene trying to determine if the blaze was started intentionally or not. Town officials hope that demolition will be completed enough this weekend, so they can re-open the Main Street on Monday.
“The memories are coming and people are sharing. It’s one way they can listen to each other and try to heal a bit, because this is a shock to the community,” said Hanover mayor, Sue Paterson.
Assistance is being provided to the many displaced residents at Grace United Church and the P and H Centre in Hanover.
Hanover has implemented a state of emergency in the wake of the fire, which will likely be lifted at some point next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.