One particular person died and one other was nonetheless lacking after scaffolding collapsed beneath a Lengthy Island freeway bridge resulting in the South Shore, sending building employees into the water beneath.
The incident occurred simply earlier than midday Wednesday on the Lengthy Creek Bridge alongside the Loop Parkway heading to Level Lookout in Nassau County, in keeping with state police. The freeway span connects Level Lookout to the Meadowbrook State Parkway.
The crew had been doing work on the draw bridge when the scaffolding they had been on in some way gave approach, sending two employees into the water, in keeping with officers.
One employee died on account of the collapse, New York State Police stated. The opposite employee who fell into the water was nonetheless lacking as of Wednesday evening. Six different employees concerned did not fall into the water, however did endure accidents that weren’t thought of life-threatening, police stated.
Search and rescue groups from a number of businesses had been on the scene, and police boats may very well be seen within the water beneath the span, with divers going underwater to conduct their searches.
The state’s Division of Transportation stated it was working with emergency responders as they appear into the incident.
“We’re very sorry to be taught that one of many contractor staff concerned has handed away. The security of our employees and contractors is at all times NYSDOT’s high precedence,” the DOT stated, including that it was “gathering data from the contractor and employees to help within the investigation.”
Loop Parkway was closed in each instructions for hours, officers stated, earlier than the westbound facet was reopened shortly earlier than 3 p.m. The opposite lanes remained closed by means of Wednesday evening.
Development alongside the Loop Parkway has been happening for months, and lately the work has compelled the bridge to be closed for prolonged intervals of time.
An investigation is ongoing. New York State Police stated additional data can be offered later Wednesday.
