A tragic construction accident in Weymouth, Massachusetts, claimed the life of Mario Diaz, 29, and left four others injured after a house under construction collapsed during high winds.
According to Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, Diaz was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to South Shore Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The four other workers sustained minor injuries and were also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Firefighters worked for about 25 minutes using jacks to stabilize the debris and carefully reach one of the victims trapped beneath the wreckage.
The collapse occurred as strong wind gusts swept through the area, with witnesses describing a sudden, powerful gust just before the structure gave way.
One witness told authorities they had seen a construction worker standing on the roof just moments before disaster struck.
“It just went down very fast and very loud,” said neighbor Kelly Keating, who described the scene to WCVB.
Local weather reports indicated wind gusts of approximately 40 mph at the time of the collapse.
The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has joined the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, Weymouth Police, and the Massachusetts State Police from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office in investigating the incident.
Authorities will be examining whether wind conditions were solely responsible or if additional structural or safety issues played a role in the collapse.
The strong winds also caused a scaffolding collapse earlier in the day at a construction site in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Two workers who were on the third floor of the scaffolding managed to jump onto a nearby balcony for safety before the structure crumbled beneath them.
The scaffolding landed on a van belonging to a nearby business, forcing a temporary road closure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that incident, according to WCVB.
The two incidents have renewed concerns about construction site safety, particularly in adverse weather conditions. OSHA officials will likely review whether safety protocols were followed, including structural integrity assessments and wind-related precautions.
Experts say that high winds can pose a serious risk to construction sites, especially for framing structures, scaffolding, and cranes. Many construction firms have wind thresholds that require work stoppages if gusts exceed a certain speed.
As the investigation unfolds, construction workers and companies across Massachusetts may face increased scrutiny on how they handle weather-related safety risks moving forward.
Mario Diaz, the 29-year-old worker who lost his life, was a dedicated construction professional. Friends and family are now mourning his tragic passing as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers construction workers face daily, and many in the industry are calling for renewed efforts to enhance safety regulations and wind-related worksite precautions.
Authorities are expected to release further findings as the investigation continues.
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