Fort Lauderdale Crane Accident Leaves One Dead and Several Injured. Fort Lauderdale, FL – A tragic accident unfolded on the Southeast 3rd Avenue bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to three others. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near Las Olas Boulevard when part of a crane fell onto the bridge.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as a portion of the crane crashed down onto passing vehicles. Mark Cerezin, the driver of a Tesla struck by the falling debris, recounted the harrowing moment: “I felt some type of compression, and I looked up and I saw this big, huge piece of blue metal coming down… I slammed on the brakes… It was like slow motion, then that piece of metal bounced in the air and then went to the right and landed on another car.”
Valeriia Becher, who witnessed the incident, likened it to a horror movie, expressing shock and disbelief at the unfolding chaos. “Life is very short,” she reflected, emphasizing the need to cherish every moment.
The tragedy claimed the life of a construction worker who fell along with part of the crane, while two others were rushed to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan clarified that it was a platform holding equipment that failed, causing the devastating accident.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department have launched investigations into the incident. The bridge remains closed indefinitely as authorities assess the damage and work to ensure public safety.
The accident underscores the inherent risks associated with construction work and serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in such environments.
FAQs
The accident occurred when a platform holding equipment failed, causing part of the crane to fall onto the Southeast 3rd Avenue bridge.
One construction worker lost his life, and three others sustained injuries in the incident
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and local authorities are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the accident and prevent future incidents.