Man Killed In Somerville Construction Accident Identified
BOSTON (CBS) – The man killed in what Somerville officials called a "tragic accident" at a construction site has been identified as a veteran iron worker.
Ironworkers Local 7 said on Friday that 15-year member Ronald Morse III, known as "Moose," died on Thursday. Morse and another man were installing a temporary elevator at what will be the Partners HealthCare building in Assembly Square when it collapsed.
Morse and the second worker were transported to Mass General Hospital. The second man suffered serious injuries, while Morse did not survive.
"Our hearts are heavy with sorrow after this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the worker who was killed, and with the worker who was injured, as well as with the entire site crew who are suffering the loss and injury of members of their team," the City of Somerville said Friday in a statement.
"We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends who lost a loved one, and to the injured worker, we send our best hopes that they make a full recovery."
Morse's death serves as a "tragic reminder that construction remains a very dangerous industry," Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health said in a public statement Friday.
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of our lost brother," said Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, MassCOSH's Executive Director.
Ironworkers Local 7 in Boston's flags were lowered to half-mast on Friday following Morse's death.
The group called Morse a "proud" member and asked for prayers for his family.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is investigating the accident.