Prince George, B.C.-  There is still no sign of two people missing since the Columbus Hotel  went up in flames yesterday in downtown prince George.  "It may be a case  where  they  got out on their own and just haven't reported in yet" says Deputy Fire Chief John Lane, "We certainly hope that is the  case ."

 

Late yesterday afternoon, an excavator began digging through the rubble of the collapsed rear wall of the Columbus Hotel. An RCMP fire investigator was not available until this morning, so excavation was stopped when the excavator reached the fire-damaged portion of the building. Prince George Fire Rescue and RCMP fire scene investigators will be on the scene this morning.

 

Fire crews remained on the scene overnight to monitor the remaining hot spot in the centre of the collapsed building. Water was applied as necessary from above using the Ladder truck.

 

Third Avenue will remain closed to vehicular traffic today.