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Construction worker dies in worksite accident in Midtown, public safety officials say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Andrew Giambrone
Published Dec 13, 2024
Modified Dec 13, 2024
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Brittany Kriegstein / Gothamist
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Andrew Giambrone
Published Dec 13, 2024
Modified Dec 13, 2024
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A man who was working at a construction site in Midtown died in a worksite accident on Friday, city public safety agencies said.
Emergency management and buildings officials said they were responding to the incident, which happened around 9:20 a.m. at 34 East 35th St., a former church that is being demolished, according to neighbors and permits posted at the site.
A Gothamist reporter on the scene observed firefighters taking down a body in a white bag from the partially demolished building just after noon. Police have not yet identified the man who died.
The NYPD said two workers in a cherry picker struck a beam at the site. One of them, a 45-year-old man, hit his head, lost consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other, a 35-year-old man, was taken to Bellevue Hospital, the department said.
Adela Ramirez, who lives across the street from the demolition site, said she sees workers plugging away at the project every day, no matter the weather.
“They come and do their job, and they do it with pride,” she said. “These are hardworking people, and all they want is to live their lives and supply for their families, just like everyone else.”
Emergency management officials earlier said there were traffic delays and road closures in the area.
The FDNY was inspecting the site for structural stability after the accident, according to building records.
This story has been updated with additional information. Charles Lane contributed reporting.
Tagged
public safety
manhattan
fdny
construction accident
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Andrew Giambrone
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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