Construction Worker Killed In Balcony Collapse
Construction sites are dangerous. There are tall buildings and balconies that could collapse at any moment, causing disaster and injuries to those in the vicinity.
A recent balcony collapse at a condominium complex in Sea Isle City has killed a construction worker. The fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of February 24.
An eighth-floor balcony fell at the Spinnaker complex, located at 3500-3700 Boardwalk, off 36th Street and the Boardwalk. A 30-foot concrete slab fell onto the balcony located on the seventh floor. A construction worker working on the exterior of the building doing prep and paint work was pinned underneath it. It is believed the balcony weighed as much as 15,000 pounds.
Witnesses heard someone calling for help after the collapse. There were people screaming and total chaos. One witness called 911 right away and after 20 minutes, she heard the man yelling something like “get it off of me.” She didn’t hear anything after that.
First responders could not immediately reach the construction worker, who later died. There were significant cracks in the surrounding area. There was also a slope to the balcony, making the north side of the building unsafe. Additional rescue workers and equipment were requested to help locate the construction worker, a 43-year-old man from Philadelphia.
Emergency personnel were able to recover the man’s body after temporarily stabilizing the seventh floor balcony. They then had to cut through an exterior wall that consisted of a foot of reinforced concrete. The concrete slab of the fallen balcony was raised by heavy-lift airbags to reach the worker, who was pronounced dead later that evening after an hours-long rescue effort. The man was employed by Ferguson Contracting Inc., based in Pennsylvania. Two other workers suffered minor injuries in the collapse.
Also, all residents were evacuated from the Spinnaker complex. All of the decks at the Spinnaker complex’s South Tower are currently being stabilized. Once the building is considered safe, engineers will conduct further evaluations on both buildings at the Spinnaker complex. Spinnaker residents aren’t allowed back inside the condo complex until the work is completed. It is unknown where the residents are seeking shelter.
Regional Urban Search and Rescue Teams responded to the incident, along with fire departments from nearby cities such as Ocean City, Stone Harbor, Marmora, Strathmere, and Wildwood. The incident is under investigation by Sea Isle City Police, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA has six months to complete its investigation and issue a report.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Construction accidents can affect workers as well as those around them. A collapse can often lead to fatalities.
If you have been involved in a construction accident, seek legal help from a Morristown construction accident injury attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We can help determine liability so you get full and fair compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.
Source:
courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2023/02/25/sea-isle-city-balcony-collapse-kills-worker-forces-spinnaker-evacuation/69944104007/
