Photo by WKMG ClickOrlando
Two people were killed Wednesday when a crane collapsed at the construction site of the Cape Canaveral Hospital in Merritt Island, officials said.
According to deputies, the crane collapsed in the 200 block of Borman Drive on Merritt Island.
Health First officials told News 6 reporter James Sparvero that two construction workers died in the incident, but it was not known if the workers were on the crane or on the ground.
News 6 meteorologists confirm there was a 58-mile-per-hour wind gust at the time of the accident. Investigators said they are investigating whether weather played a role in the incident.
Health First released a statement about the crane collapse that can be read below:
“Earlier today, there was a serious weather-related incident at the Cape Canaveral Hospital construction site involving a crane. No Health First associates were on site at the time, and all are safe.
Authorities have confirmed that there were two fatalities on the site as a result of this incident. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and all those affected.
The site is secure and is currently under an active investigation. We are monitoring the situation closely with local authorities and Gilbane, the construction management company on the project, as they continue their investigation. We understand this is deeply concerning, and we will share additional information as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this serious incident together…”Health First
The hospital was originally slated to open in 2027.
Nearby resident F M told News 6 he was saddended by the news of the deaths.
“Glad I wasn’t involved in it directly. But yeah, this is just terrible,” he said. “I think of the families, you know, for the people lost. That’s the big deal.”
He added that the weather around that time was severe enough for him to move indoors.
“It was pretty horrific,” he said. “I mean, I like to sit on my porch, and I decided it was time to go inside.”
T C, a former crane operator and retired firefighter who lives nearby, came to the site early Thursday morning to place flowers along the fence line.
“I am so crushed by this accident that I felt the need to start a memorial to the poor guys or females — that we don’t know at this point — that perished due to this crane collapse,” C said.
C said, based on his experience operating aerial equipment, the crane should have been lowered or secured before the storm moved in.
“We couldn’t put our cranes up in 25 mph winds or higher,” he said. “They should have seen this storm coming. Everyone else in this town did. It’s just heartbreaking.”
C stood at the site visibly emotional, reflecting on the human toll of the tragedy.
“I just hope the people that run construction sites like this will keep an eye to the sky and be more aware of what’s coming,” he said.
No additional information has been provided at this time, including the identities of the two people killed.
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Source: clickorlando
