Six workers injured in massive scaffolding collapse in Houston

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Friday, October 16, 2015
Scaffolding collapse in Texas traps workers
The collapse happened Friday morning near the intersection of Congress and Crawford.

HOUSTON -- At least six construction workers have been injured in a huge scaffolding collapse in downtown Houston.

The accident occurred just after 11 a.m. at a luxury apartment building under construction at 300 Crawford at Commerce, near Minute Maid Park.

HFD Captain Ruy Lozano says six workers have been pulled from the rubble and have been transported to area hospitals. Capt. Lozano describes the injuries as non life-threatening, but significant.

Capt. Lozano says a secondary collapse is not only possible, but highly likely. Onlookers are being moved back due to fears of further collapse.

Witness Julio Zavala says he heard the collapse and ran toward the scene, where he helped pull at least one victim from the twisted metal.

HFD is working with the construction company to determine how many workers may have been on site. Firefighters are digging through the twisted metal by hand to search for any more possible victims.

The Fingers Company, which owns the building, issued the following statement: "We are monitoring the situation very closely and working alongside authorities as we try to determine the cause of this accident. In the mean time, we are grateful to the first responders on the scene and praying that everyone is OK."

Houston Fire Department units arrived on the scene within three minutes of the report. HFD had more than 30 units on scene including several heavy rescue units.