On Wednesday just before noon, a construction crew repairing the Loop Parkway Bridge in Lido Beach, Long Island, experienced a serious accident when the temporary scaffolding that was holding workers aloft gave way. The collapse sent several laborers into the water below.
Injuries and Missing Worker
Eight workers were pulled from the water with varying injuries ranging from minor cuts to more serious trauma. Emergency responders performed CPR on one worker who was not breathing when rescued. A ninth worker remains unaccounted for, and search teams continue to comb the river for any sign of the missing laborer.
Response and Road Closure
Officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which oversees the bridge repair project, confirmed that the Loop Parkway is closed in both directions while the incident is investigated and the site is secured. The closure affects commuters traveling between Long Island and the mainland, prompting local authorities to advise drivers to seek alternate routes.
Investigation Underway
State safety inspectors have been dispatched to determine the cause of the scaffolding failure. Preliminary reports suggest that the temporary structure may not have been properly secured, but officials emphasized that a full investigation will take time. The Department of Environmental Conservation reiterated its commitment to worker safety and promised to cooperate fully with any findings.
Community Impact
Residents of Nassau County expressed concern for the workers and frustration over the bridge shutdown. Local community leaders urged the Department of Environmental Conservation to expedite repairs and restore traffic flow while ensuring that all safety protocols are rigorously followed.
What Comes Next
The missing worker’s family has been notified, and a family liaison has been assigned to keep them informed of rescue efforts. The Department of Environmental Conservation plans to release an update as soon as more information becomes available regarding the worker’s status and the cause of the scaffolding collapse.
Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident to contact local law enforcement or the Department of Environmental Conservation’s hotline.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
