A construction worker died after formwork collapsed on a Swinerton Builders jobsite in Spokane, Washington, on Tuesday morning.
Nearby witnesses told The Spokesman-Review that the collapse at the Spokane Tribe Casino sounded like an explosion and shook the ground. It resulted in the death of one worker, Swinerton confirmed to Construction Dive.
A Facebook post from Spokane Tradeswomen indicated the deceased worker was Ana Vetter, a journeyman carpenter. No other workers were involved.
Medical efforts to resuscitate the worker, an employee of a subcontractor, were unsuccessful, according to the San Francisco-based contractor.
“The circumstances of this situation are unclear at this time and it is too early to speculate on what may have been the cause of this incident,” according to a statement from Swinerton. “Our management and safety teams are on site and currently working together with investigating authorities to find out the exact cause. When it is known we will make information available so it may help others.”
The hotel and casino project is located off Highway 2 near Craig Road in Spokane. OSHA and local authorities are investigating the collapse with Swinerton’s cooperation. OSHA does not comment on open investigations. The project will remain closed through at least March 8 for the investigation.
