Major scaffolding collapse kills 1 worker, injures 7 more at New Mexico hospital jobsite

Updated Aug 21, 2015
One section of scaffolding holding six floors of platforms at the hospital jobsite collapsed Tuesday, killing one worker. Photo Credit: Rio Rancho Fire Rescue via FacebookOne section of scaffolding holding six floors of platforms at the hospital jobsite collapsed Tuesday, killing one worker. Photo Credit: Rio Rancho Fire Rescue via Facebook

A large scaffolding collapse at a New Mexico hospital jobsite killed one worker and injured seven more Tuesday.

According to a report from KOB TV, 21 feet of scaffolding “buckled and collapsed” just before 1 p.m. Tuesday while workers were installing windows and siding on a tower under construction at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho.

Darren Shafer, Rio Rancho Medical Director of Emergency Services, told the station the scaffolding at the site holds a platform for each of the new tower’s six floors. A whole section of the scaffolding collapsed from top to bottom.

Four workers suffered life-threatening injuries, one of whom died later at the hospital. Four additional workers were not seriously hurt.

“I don’t really know what happened. It was just a big noise and then, all of [a] sudden…I realized the scaffolding was falling and it just fell on top of me. I just crawled out. I had to push blocks and stuff out of the way and wiggled myself out and started helping my friends,” one worker told KOB.

It remains unclear what caused the collapse. The New Mexico Occupational Safety and Health Administration were on scene Tuesday to begin an investigation.

The station reports construction of the 300,000 square-foot project is being overseen by McCarthy NM.