Two lives were tragically lost on October 24, when a construction crane with a 250-ton capacity collapsed at a waterfront located in Everett, Massachusetts. Believed to have been caused by a problem with the cable, this tragedy has sparked further investigations of the incident.
After the initial shock, the Everett fire, police, and first aid officials rushed to the scene, but the construction at the time of the accident made rescue efforts challenging. According to NBC News, this situation was made more difficult as the crane had fallen onto a barge, leading to part of the wreckage landing in the cold water of the Mystic River. “This was a complex technical rescue which involved our members as well as the crews from our mutual aid partners,” the Everett Fire Department said, noting that the technical expertise from multiple agencies in the area were needed.
According to Fox News, upon the arrival of officials, one worker who had been cutting the pipes off the dock was pronounced dead at the scene while another was found trapped underneath the crane. With severe injuries, he was sent to the Mass General Hospital but eventually succumbed to his injuries. Both men were identified as devoted family members. “[They were] two young guys you know,“ Carlo DeMaria, the mayor of Everett, said, according to Boston.com. “I’m sure when they left home this morning that wasn’t even a thought.”
Originally an old gasoline storage facility, the port area, formerly the Exxon site on the Mystic River, was being dismantled when the crane suddenly gave way. Plans of developing industrial facilities, manufacturing offices, and retail spaces were underway, with the October operations of the site including “taking down storage tanks and dismantling offices at the location,” according to NBC News. The site is located a short distance from Boston, with the fatal accident occurring in a busy industrial area. However, due to the sudden incident, all work where the crane was operating has been paused.
Mayor DeMaria’s shock is evident, describing the scene as “tragic” to reporters on Boston 25 News. “We lost two men here today working on the site.” DeMaria said. “Our hearts go out to their families and those that work with them and know them very well.”
Charter Contracting, the company overseeing the dismantling project at the waterfront, additionally released a statement. “We are devastated to learn that two individuals employed by a subcontractor have died following a horrific accident at one of our job sites.” Charter CEO Robert Delhome said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to anyone affected by this tragedy.”
Despite the initial suspicion of a cable issue on the crane, the official reason of the incident is continuing to be investigated by officials, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Officials have contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to examine the crane and review maintenance records in an effort to uncover the cause of the structure collapse. Everett Police Chief Paul Strong stated that a second crane will likely be needed to remove the damaged one for investigation, according to CBS News.
As Everett mourns the loss of the two workers, the community and officials now focus on ensuring that such a tragedy can be prevented in future projects. Not only to bring closure to the victims’ families, but also to strengthen safety standards of future construction projects, local authorities continue working to discover the root of this collapse. While the construction site remains closed, lessons learned from this devastating event can lead to safer environments for workers.
