Walkway Collapsed at Atlanta Botanical Garden Resulting in 1 death, 18 injuries
Posted by
Jessica SmagaczDecember 19, 2008 6:05 PM
Construction workers have been working on building a “Canopy Walk” attraction at the Atlanta Botanical Garden so visitors can walk among the trees. Unfortunately earlier today as workers were pouring concrete for the walkway (600-foot-long, 40-foot-high), part of the structure gave way and collapsed, Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Nearby residents reported hearing a huge crashing sound along with shouts from the workers. At the time of the accident, no visitors were present.
With a chaotic scene, fire and rescue officials were able to remove all victims within 55 minutes. The Atlanta firefighters had to cut a hole in a nearby fence to reach the injured. 15 patients were taken to the Grady memorial Hospital and one arrived at the hospital on his own. As a result of this tragic accident, two workers have brain injuries that Atlanta Journal Constitution reports could be life-threatening. Some victims have head or spinal injuries. Another victim has liver injuries and the Hospital’s deputy chief of surgery said many workers have injuries to their arms and legs and some workers said they fell 40 feet or more to the ground.
There are reports that two other workers were taken to the Atlanta Medical Center; one is in serious condition while the other is in fair condition.
Residents of Park lane, a residence near the Botanical Garden, say that the construction of this walkway has been a controversial issue in the neighborhood and this accident more than likely will fuel more debate.
With this tragic accident, many are questioning what went wrong.
Hardin Construction has signs on the work site, Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that indicates they are involved in the project as well as Pioneer Concrete Pumping Service.
This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with those workers injured and their families.