3 dead, 2 hurt in construction accident just outside uptown Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Three construction workers died in an industrial accident just outside of uptown Charlotte Monday morning according to officials.

Charlotte Fire said crews responded to the accident at a construction site on East Morehead Street near Euclid Avenue.

Medic confirmed that three people died in the accident, while two others suffered minor injuries and were taken to Atrium CMC Main for treatment.

According to Charlotte Fire, the fatalities and injuries were the results of a scaffolding collapse.

They say the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has now joined CMPD in this investigation.

OSHA has strict guidelines in place when it comes to scaffolding and worker safety. Their requirements include the use of guardrails and harnesses of some sort while workers are above 10 feet. We are working to find out if the construction company followed these rules.

Captain Jackie Gilmore noted all construction work has halted until an investigation is completed.

Workers who were on the job at the time either went to the family unification area or simply packed up and headed home. The only ones in the building as of 12 p.m. are investigators.

About an hour after the accident was first reported, dozens and dozens of construction workers were seen pouring out of the building, being sent home after the accident.

Not many wanted to talk about their experiences inside the building where this all unfolded. However, neighbors learning what happened were shocked to hear something like this could have happened so close.

“I went to walk my dog and they wouldn’t let me walk the street right outside my door,” neighbor Robert Schuster said. “The cop told me, I just kinda asked him and he said, ‘Yeah, somebody fell’ and it makes you sick to your stomach. especially right after New Year’s like that.”

“I’ve lost loved ones before, and I know it happens, but I wouldn’t wish that on anybody,” added another Dilworth resident, Tristan Hann.

“Obviously it’s a dangerous industry...but you don’t want to hear about anybody dying. That shouldn’t be an option, ever.”

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