Construction worker dead after falling from scaffolding in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — One person is dead after a fall at a construction site in the North Oakland section of Pittsburgh on Thursday.
According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, just before 8 a.m., police, fire, and EMS were all called to the 400 block of Melwood Ave. for a report of a person falling from scaffolding at a construction site.
Once medics arrived on the scene, a man was found with significant, grave injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner identified him as 47-year-old John J. Allen of McKees Rocks.
Witnesses told KDKA-TV that Allen was helping lay brick at a new apartment building on Melwood Avenue when he fell to his death.
Laborers' Local Union 373 provided KDKA-TV with the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our union brother today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Local 373 will continue to offer support to his family and all of our members who have been affected by this tragedy."
The investigation is ongoing. Hudson Companies is the construction company building the apartment building. KDKA-TV reached out to the company but did not hear back.
Experts talk construction safety after 2nd accident in Pittsburgh
Thursday's death was the second fatal construction accident in the Oakland area in weeks.
Earlier this month, 51-year-old Aleia Lopez died after a large steel drum rolled away from the construction site of the University of Pittsburgh's new sports complex.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounted for 46.2 percent of all fatal falls, slips and trips in 2021.
Year to year, the number of deaths at sites is growing.
"You hear from veterans in the industry that most people who get injured are the most tenured because you get that comfort. Newer people have the voice in the back of their head to be cautious," said Quentin Carbone, one of the owners of Patina Construction & Development, LLC.