Federal job safety officials have commenced their inquiry into the collapse of a crane in downtown Fort Lauderdale, which resulted in the death of one worker, injuring three individuals and causing disruptions to morning traffic.
Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are tasked with determining the cause of Thursday afternoon’s collapse on a busy bridge spanning the New River adjacent to the Broward County Courthouse.
Broward County Courthouse (Credits: Yahoo)
According to a spokesperson, the bridge reopened following the completion of rush-hour traffic on Friday, with courthouse operations remaining unaffected.
Mark Cerezin, the driver of one of the cars crushed by the collapse, recounted the harrowing experience to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He described the moment he sensed trouble and swiftly hit the brakes.
He then witnessed a large piece of steel striking his vehicle before ricocheting onto another car. Despite the shock, Cerezin expressed gratitude for returning home safely to his loved ones.
Fort Lauderdale Police identified the deceased worker as Jorge De La Torre, aged 27. Authorities reported that De La Torre was working on the construction site of the building when the crane collapse occurred, leading to his fatal fall.
Fort Lauderdale Police (Credits: AP News)
Of the three individuals injured in the incident, one remains hospitalized, while another was discharged. The third individual received treatment at the scene.
OSHA has named Phoenix Rigging & Erecting, Kast Construction, and Maxim Crane Works as the companies under investigation. Phoenix Rigging opted not to comment, citing the ongoing investigation, while Kast and Maxim did not respond immediately to phone inquiries.
