ROCK RIVER, Ohio — The Rocky River Fire Department said two people were injured after a scaffolding accident at a construction site. The accident happened in the 19000 block of Lake Road on Friday morning. Firefighters said after the scaffolding collapsed, two workers were found in the rubble.
Bystander Will Kiessling heard it all unfold. Kiessling was at a location behind the construction site getting ready to install an HVAC unit in an office.
"We were outside and just got here and right behind me we some screaming and saw scaffolding fall down and a lot of yelling and screaming," said Kiessling. "It was a scary sight."
Two people were transported to the hospital in unknown condition. Their employer said they were "were conscious and responsive."
Terry McHale, who works nearby, also heard the loud screaming outside his office.
"More people talking and screaming, and so I decided to go out on my deck and see what was going on and the scaffolding had fallen," McHale said.
The scaffolding at the AM Higley construction site on Lake Road collapsed nearly three stories around 9:30 A.M. Rocky River Fire Chief Aaron Lenart said the site is under construction for the insurance company Roundstone and has been under construction for months. The site is located in Rocky River where the former Mason Auto Body shop burned down in 2021.
“When I got here, both patients had already been removed from the rubble and were being tended to by the paramedics,” said Lenart. “At that point, we got into securing the scene and stabilizing the scene to make sure nobody else or any further injuries occurred.”
Region 7 Occupational Safety and Health Administration records reveal there has been one health complaint filed against AM Higley back in November of 2021 at a commercial building construction site on Lancashire Road in Cleveland. OSHA conducted two inspections, and the case was closed without any citations in May of 2022.
The cause of the scaffolding collapse is unknown at this time.
The construction company AM Higley released the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened to report an incident involving two of our trade partners at a construction site in Rocky River. Our hearts go out to the affected individuals and their families during this challenging time. At the time first responders arrived both individuals were conscious and responsive. They are receiving the best possible medical care.Safety is our utmost priority, and we are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this unfortunate incident. We are committed to ensuring that every measure is taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. As a company, we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities throughout the investigation process. Our thoughts are with our colleagues, and we extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders and medical personnel for their swift and compassionate response."
