3 Workers Dead from 70-Ft. Fall as Scaffolding Collapses at Construction Site in Charlotte, N.C.
Charlotte Fire Department/Twitter
Three workers died when scaffolding collapsed at a construction site in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday.
The victims fell about 70 feet when the scaffolding — a temporary structure usually made from metal poles and wood planks used for access to buildings under construction — came apart, according to NBC affiliate WCNC.
The outlet said the victims were not publicly identified but were ages 26, 43, and 54, citing officials. Two other workers were taken to a local hospital after they experienced minor injuries.
"Following a scaffolding collapse, there are 3 casualties," the Charlotte Fire Department said on Monday. "[Two] people have been transported to an area hospital. Currently, Charlotte Fire is securing the area. A family reunification area has been established."
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Per Queen City News, the accident happened on the interior of the building.
According to WBT reporter Mark Garrison, a wall also collapsed on the workers after they fell.
"Three construction workers died on Morehead street," Garrison tweeted. "Scaffold apparently collapsed and they fell 70 feet with a wall then toppling onto them."
As of now, it is unclear what led to the accident, CNN reported.
The fire department said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating, and work at the site has been stopped, per WCNC.
According to OHSA records, nearly 30 accidents involved collapsed scaffolding in 2022.
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As noted by WCNC, OHSA lists "falls" as the leading cause of death in construction accidents.
"In 2020, there were 351 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,008 construction fatalities," the organization said on its website. "These deaths are preventable."
