Worker Dies After 9-Story Fall From Scaffolding Amid 40 Mph Wind Gusts

CHICAGO — One construction worker is dead and another is severely injured after the two fell from scaffolding that broke loose amid windy conditions Thursday at the University of Chicago, according to reports.

Police responded around 11:45 a.m. to the 5600 block of South Maryland Street, authorities said. A 27-year-old man was taken to the University of Chicago hospital and later pronounced dead, and another male was brought to the same hospital in critical condition, according to police, who are investigating the incident as an accident.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration also responded to the scene, WGN reported.

The man who died fell nine stories at the construction site, where the university’s cancer pavilion is being built, according to WGN, which reported there were over 40 mph gusts around the time of the incident.

Turner Construction Co., which employs the workers, in a statement to FOX 32 offered thoughts and prayers to the victims’ loved ones and said activity at the site was halted and grief counseling was available to employees.