A grave accident occurred recently adjacent to the University of Chicago campus, claiming the unfortunate life of one construction worker and seriously injuring another. The incident happened around 12:15 p.m. during a period of high winds when the men plummeted nearly nine stories from scaffolding at the University of Chicago Cancer Pavilion Project.
No Accident Just a Tragedy
The unfolding event promptly called for response from the Chicago Fire Department, which said that the two laborers were working on ironwork for a new cancer research center when the fatal incident happened.
Victim Identified
The deceased individual is a 27-year-old man named David O’Donnell, a resident from the nearby suburb of Oak Forest. He was rapidly transported to the neighboring UChicago Medicine where he was sadly pronounced dead.
The Condition of the Injured
In the meantime, the second worker who miraculously survived the tragic fall was immediately rushed to the same hospital, where he is currently listed in critical condition.
Investigation Underway
Taking the incident with the utmost gravity, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has begun an in-depth investigation. The goal is to ensure that labor standards were met and to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.
The UChicago Medicine, where the two victims were rushed for immediate medical attention, is situated within the campus grounds of the University of Chicago, nestled in the Hyde Park community on the city’s south side.
Work Halted
In response to the heart-rending incident, New Horizon Steel, the victims’ employer, promptly announced a pause in all construction work at the site. When operations will resume remains undetermined, according to a statement issued by the company.
According to OSHA, both New Horizon Steel and Turner Construction, which was also conducting operations at the accident site, have been found free of any history of violations in Illinois.
The tragic loss in this accident is indeed a stark reminder of the risks that our hardworking construction laborers face each day on the job. All parties involved are undoubtedly committed to untangling the circumstances that led to this tragedy and ensuring that such incidents are avoided in the future.
In this difficult time, our condolences go out to the O’Donnell family. We wish the surviving worker a fast and full recovery.
Source: Story based on the report from the Chicago Fire Department and additional information from the Chicago Tribune.