Cincinnati police confirmed that a construction worker died following a crane accident at the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project site on Oct. 17. Officers were dispatched to the West Third Street and Pete Rose Way intersection around 10:30 a.m. after receiving a call about a workplace incident.
What happened
The victim was operating a boom‑lift crane when the equipment shifted and toppled, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. Emergency responders transported the injured worker to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he later died.
Investigation underway
The Cincinnati Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section is leading the local inquiry, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened a federal investigation into the safety practices at the site. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) confirmed that the deceased was a crew member of the Walsh‑Kokosing Joint Venture, the primary contractor for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.
Walsh‑Kokosing is a partnership between the Walsh Group, an Indianapolis‑based infrastructure builder, and Kokosing, a firm that handles transportation and site‑work projects. ODOT released a statement expressing sorrow for the loss and pledging full cooperation with the investigations.
Project background
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is a multi‑billion‑dollar effort to replace the aging Brent Spence Bridge, a critical crossing over the Ohio River that connects Cincinnati, Ohio, with Covington, Kentucky. The project also includes roadway improvements, new interchanges and upgrades to surrounding infrastructure to support regional commerce and commuter traffic.
Safety focus
Local officials emphasized the importance of workplace safety on large‑scale public works projects. “We take the safety of everyone working on this major project seriously,” ODOT said in its statement. The agency said it will continue to monitor safety protocols and work closely with Walsh‑Kokosing and investigative agencies to determine the cause of the accident.
Community response
The tragedy has drawn condolences from city leaders, labor unions and community members. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval expressed his sympathy, noting the vital role construction workers play in building the region’s future. “Our thoughts are with the family and coworkers of the worker who lost his life,” the mayor said.
Walsh‑Kokosing has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Next steps
Both the criminal investigation and OSHA’s safety review are expected to take several weeks. Findings will be shared with ODOT, which may adjust safety procedures or require additional training for crews on the site. The Brent Spence Bridge project is slated to continue construction through 2029, with the bridge replacement expected to open in 2030.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
