Boston firefighters and EMS crews work to free a construction worker trapped by a collapsed part of the L Street Power Station in South Boston on May 4, 2022. Boston EMS photo
Three construction workers were taken to the hospital following a collapse at the former Boston Edison power plant property Wednesday afternoon.
Mayor Michelle Wu said permits for the project have been “paused” pending an investigation.
“I’m angry we’re here again at another work site with another major incident,” Wu said. “It cannot be a question whether your family member can come home at night or whether they will be safe on the job.”
The Boston Police Department homicide division, OSHA and Boston Inspectional Services are investigating the incident.
Firefighters responded to reports of people trapped shortly before 2 p.m. A large cantilevered walkway collapsed and landed on one victim’s legs, causing serious injuries. Approximately 100 firefighters took part in the rescue efforts amid a threat of further structure collapse, Fire Commissioner John Dempsey said.
Boston EMS officials said in a statement posted to the service’s Twitter account that a Boston Medical Center surgical team had been called to the site as part of the response in case the victim trapped by the collapsed walkway needed to have their legs amputated. No amputation was ultimately necessary, Boston EMS said.
“Demolition jobs are very dangerous, probably more dangerous than putting buildings up,” Dempsey said.
Boston-based construction manager Suffolk pulled a $30 million demolition permit on Dec. 3, according to Inspectional Services Department records.
“We are currently on site working closely with OSHA, our subcontractor and the local authorities to determine the cause of this incident and confirm the safety of the site. Safety on our job sites continues to be our number one priority and we will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure our workers return home safely at the end of every work day,” Suffolk said in a statement.
The incident is the second major collapse at a construction site in Boston this spring.
A worker was killed in March when a portion of the Government Center garage collapsed as the structure is being partially demolished to make way for a life science building.
Hilco Redevelopment Partners recently began demolition at the South Boston property to make way for a 1.7 million-square-foot mixed-use project.
“We are thankful for the swift response from Boston emergency services. As members of the South Boston community, we, along with our contractor, will work with all local authorities to address the situation and keep the community up to date on developments,” Hilco said in a statement.
The 15-acre property at 776 Summer St., formerly the Boston Edison power plant, was approved for redevelopment including 636 housing units, office and retail space and a hotel.
