Four construction workers have been hospitalized after a scaffolding collapse in downtown West Palm Beach, according to emergency officials.
The incident happened around 7:10 a.m. at 370 Lakeview Avenue, where the Mr. C Residences development is currently under construction. First responders arrived quickly after receiving reports that multiple workers had fallen when part of the temporary structure gave way.
The West Palm Beach Fire Department confirmed that three workers sustained life-threatening injuries, while one suffered minor injuries. All were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
"Basically what we know is they had scaffolding set up. They had scaffolding, they had temporary floors set up. They were moving equipment around. I don't know what caused it. I don't know if moving the equipment caused it. But everything from the third floor came down to the first," said WPFD Battalion Chief Robert Chyle.
Officials said the workers fell from the third floor to the first floor — an estimated 30-foot drop.
We’re told workers rolled a heavy toolbox from a permanent floor onto a temporary wooden floor over a scaffolding and it collapsed, causing four workers to fall to the first floor.
"All I know is from what the construction workers on scene were telling me, is that they had the construction debris on the third floor come down to the first floor," Battalion Chief Chyle said.
The collapse appears to have involved temporary flooring built over scaffolding, which is commonly used during mid-rise construction projects. Such systems are designed to support workers and limited equipment loads, but failures can occur if weight limits are exceeded or structural connections fail. Investigators are expected to examine load capacity, installation methods, and compliance with safety regulations.
Those who work and live nearby described shock and concern after learning about the incident.
"I never walk under scaffolding. Having lived in the city and being around cranes and a lot of scaffolding in Manhattan, I just, it makes me nervous," said Missy Sullivan, a downtown West Palm Beach resident.
"That's really sad because I walk past here every single day and I see them working so hard and things like that and that's just sad that happens," said Hannah Heyns, a yacht deck hand who lives near downtown West Palm Beach.
"That is very, very sad. Especially for the family and even the construction workers there to see something like that. I'm always very concerned about people. I love people. So I'm very concerned. I did say a prayer for them. Hopefully Father God will provide for them in health and their family," said Dino Laudati, a colorist and stylist who works nearby at Athena Med Spa and Salon.
The construction site sits in a busy part of downtown, where residential towers, retail storefronts and pedestrian traffic intersect daily. Fortunately, no bystanders were reported injured in the collapse.
The West Palm Beach Police Department confirmed it is investigating the cause of the collapse. Authorities are working to determine whether equipment movement, structural failure, or another factor triggered the incident.
A spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said the agency has opened an investigation. Federal workplace safety investigators have up to six months to complete their review and determine whether any violations occurred. OSHA investigations typically examine fall protection systems, scaffold assembly standards, training records, and site supervision procedures.
Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, with falls accounting for a significant percentage of serious injuries and fatalities each year. Scaffolding-related incidents, while relatively rare compared to overall construction activity, often result in severe injuries due to height and structural collapse.
As the investigation continues, safety protocols at the site are expected to be reviewed and potentially reinforced before work resumes at full capacity.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the injured workers, and updates on their conditions have not been made public.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks construction workers face daily and the critical importance of strict adherence to safety standards on active job sites.
Originally reported by Sophie Pendrill, Al Pefley in CBS 12.
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