(RepublicanDaily.org) – One person died and three others were injured after a crane fell on a bridge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The collapse occurred on a section of Southeast 3rd Avenue, which was at the time an open intersection being traversed by vehicles on both its northbound and southbound lanes. Crews working the building were evacuated after the incident, and all floors were searched one by one to ensure that there was no one injured or left behind. However, one construction worker fell off the side of the construction site during the collapse, and died as a result.
The victim was identified as Jorge De La Torre, 27 years old.
According to authorities, the incident occurred while the crane was being “stepped up,” with a large section of it falling from an elevated position. Officials say that the crane was in the process of being lifted into a platform on top of the building’s construction site when it crashed to the ground.
Various debris and equipment also fell, causing three people to sustain injuries.
Chief Stephen Gollan, who heads the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, said that the three other people who were injured from the collapse only sustained minor injuries. Two, a man and a woman, were brought to the Broward Health Medical Center, where they received treatment. The third person who was injured was not taken to the hospital. Their identities have also not been released to the public as of press time.
Photos of the aftermath of the incident show several cars damaged and crushed by the portion of the crane that fell. The bridge underwent inspection and repairs and has reopened to traffic.
The construction firms involved in the incident, Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC, Maxim Crane Works LP, and Kast Construction, LLC, are currently facing an investigation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA.
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