Crane plummets from embankment, killing construction worker in Florida, officials say
A large crane toppled over Tuesday, Oct. 3, in Florida, killing one and injuring another, officials say.
First responders told WKMG a crane “fell down an embankment” around 3:15 p.m. near State Road 417, which curves around the eastern part of Orlando.
A construction worker who was severely injured in the fall was taken to a hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, Orange County chief medical examiner Joshua Stephany told McClatchy News in an email.
The cause of his death was ruled as “traumatic asphyxia,” which is typically caused by blunt force. His death was classified as an accident, Stephany said.
Another construction worker was sent to AdventHealth Kissimmee to treat minor injuries from the crane’s fall, WFTV reports.
A nearby minivan also appeared to be smashed from the fallen crane, as seen in video from WOFL.
An Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told McClatchy News in an email the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident.
OSHA did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment.
A Central Florida Expressway Authority spokesperson told WOFL that crane was being operated by its primary contractor Hubbard Construction Company and subcontractor Adcock Cranes for a “capacity improvement project” along State Road 417.
This story was originally published October 4, 2023 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Crane plummets from embankment, killing construction worker in Florida, officials say."
