Construction worker dies during First Night setup in Copley Square – Boston Herald

A construction worker was killed Saturday morning while setting up for First Night Boston in Copley Square, according to Boston Police and a First Night Boston spokesman.

Police responded to reports of a traumatic injury on Saturday morning at 9:47 in the area of 560 Boylston St.

Something had fallen and hit the worker. The identity of the man, who was in his late 20s, has not been released.

Boston EMS transported the patient to the hospital but he was pronounced dead on the way, according to police.

The man was an employee of a company, United Staging & Rigging, assisting First Night with setup for the annual event, according to a First Night Boston spokesman.

Jon Sharpe of United Staging & Rigging issued a statement on the incident.

We are devastated by todays tragic accident that occurred while constructing a lighting tower for the First Night stage in Copley Square. One of our employees was killed this morning when a 3,500-pound ballast dislodged from a forklift and landed on his chest.

Although emergency responders arrived quickly, he was pronounced dead onsite.

The health and safety of our employees is our number one priority and we are working with the Boston Police and OSHA to determine how this could have happened. We will respond to the findings when the investigations are complete. Tonight, our focus and prayers are with our employee, his family and co-workers.

Boston Police, the Occupational Safety and Health Association and the office of Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins are investigating the death. OSHA did not immediately respond to request for comment.

This morning there was a fatal accident in Copley Square at setup for First Night Boston involving a construction worker, read a statement from First Night Boston. We are deeply saddened by the occurrence and are sending our prayers to the family of the worker.

First Night Boston is a New Years Eve arts festival that begins in Copley Square at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday and continues all day and night until the last musical performance ends at 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2020.

The event features ice sculptures, musical performances, fireworks and childrens activities. The public celebration is free and open to all, and has been running since 1975.

The event has several local sponsors including Boston Properties, Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12 Boston and The Boston Foundation.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim in Copley Square this afternoon, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said in a statement issued by his office.

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Construction worker dies during First Night setup in Copley Square - Boston Herald