BEDFORD, MASS. (WHDH) - Five people were taken to a hospital after a wall collapsed on a construction crew in Bedford Wednesday, leaving one worker critically injured, according to authorities.
Police said a crew of eight people was putting the wall up on the second floor of a home on Dunster Road Wednesday morning when it reportedly fell on several workers sometime before 7:35 a.m.
Authorities said that, of the five workers injured, at least one was left in critical condition and another had serious injuries after the accident. Three others were believed to have minor injuries.
“Upon arrival, first responders discovered multiple people trapped under a wall, with a bystander administering lifesaving first aid,” a joint statement from the Bedford police and fire departments, as well as Interim Town Manager Colleen Doyle said.
At a news conference, officials said that, based on a preliminary investigation, the crash may have occurred due to the workers being unable to handle the weight of the wall.
“The collapse occurred when eight workers were attempting to raise a gable wall as part of a major rehab project in a residential building,” said Interim Bedford Fire Chief Paul Sheehan. “First impressions by our building department are that improper procedures may have been used, but OSHA will make the official determination.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Wednesday confirmed to 7NEWS that it is investigating this incident.
In addition to Bedford police and firefighters, OSHA inspectors could be seen at the construction site reviewing the scene throughout the morning.
Chief Paul Sheehan said one firefighter received minor injuries during the response but was expected to be OK.
Speaking on Wednesday, neighbors said the owners of the home where this incident happened are adding a garage and a second-story family room in one of several renovation projects on their street.
“You don’t expect anything like this,” said neighbor Ken Malsky.
7NEWS attempted to contact the contractor working on the project involved in this incident but was told the contractor had nothing to say.
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