Lightning Strikes 3 AC Casino Construction Workers, 1 Dead
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- Three workers were struck by lightning at a construction site in Atlantic City.
Late Thursday, authorities confirmed one of them died.
The victims were working on the new Revel Casino when a small but intense storm bombarded the beachfront.
According to authorities, the three men were working on the roof, pouring concrete when a basket they use to transport concrete was struck by lightning.
It happened around 3:30pm Thursday at the Casino project still under construction.
Two of the workers needed medical treatment. The one worker, who according to sources had his hand on the basket, immediately lost consciousness and later died at the hospital.
A spokesperson for Revel Entertainment issued a statement which read in part:
"All men were employed by sub-contractors working on the site. The accident is being investigated by appropriate authorities and Revel Entertainment cannot speculate further at this time. Revel Entertainment extends its deepest condolences to the injured men and their families."
Some workers, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the way the situation was handled. They say they wonder why the work on the project was never called off during or even after the storm.
Tishman Construction is said to be in charge of the project. As of Thursday night, Eyewitness News' request for comment went unanswered.
As for the investigation, officials say it is continuing and for now, no names are being released.
The 53-story ocean-themed casino has 3,800 hotel rooms and is due to open in May.
Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
