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Businesses reopen, charges pending after runaway recycling truck hits Midland building

'The inspection revealed that the vehicle was in proper working order,' police officer says. 'Charges are expected, but have not been laid yet'

A downtown Midland office building reopened this week after sustaining significant damage when a unmanned recycling truck slammed into it Friday morning.

While a significant gash has yet to be repaired and safety fencing surrounds the facade, Midland Family Dentistry and Keenans Accounting Services are both open for business again after getting the go-ahead from a structural engineer, who evaluated the commercial building's state and deemed it safe for reentry. Both businesses were closed Friday and Monday.

Shortly after 7 a.m. Friday, the unattended recycling truck rolled from Borsa Lane and crossed Hugel Avenue before careening into the commercial building.

Across the street on Borsa Lane, the truck operated by Waste Connections of Canada could be seen with several bricks adorning its back end.

No one was injured, but a company employee said the driver “was pretty shook up” from the incident.

An OPP Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector officer dispatched to the scene checked out the vehicle's mechanics.

"The inspection revealed that the vehicle was in proper working order," Southern Georgian Bay OPP Const. Aaron Coulter said Wednesday. "Charges are expected, but have not been laid yet."

After receiving the call Friday, Midland Fire Department captain Jamie Mark said firefighters evacuated the building shortly after arriving on the scene. Building inspectors and bylaw officers from the Town of Midland were also at the scene assisting with the investigation and setting up a safety perimeter around the building.


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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