WNCT Published: June 27, 2016
Worker fell from new bridge that is being built between Morehead City and Beaufort. He was caught by a safety harness. BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCT) – Crews from the Beaufort Fire Department responded to an accident reported on the new bridge that is being built between Morehead City and the town.
Beaufort EMS and the Atlantic Beach Fire Department were dispatched to 680 Highway 70.
Witnesses tell WNCT that the worker passed out before falling from the bridge over Gallants channel.
Richard Lovick, assistant fire chief, said the man fell about five feet while working on the bridge. He was caught by the safety harness.
He appeared to have passed out after becoming lightheaded. He was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center.
Per Brian Rick of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the worker is ok. He is intending to go to work Tuesday. He was on his way home around 4 p.m.
He was on top of a steel girder, about 70 feet above the water. His safety harness got snagged, causing him to lose balance and fall about five feet. The worker landed on plywood below.
He was rescued by a contractor who used a crane and lowered him to a boat below where he was taken to the nearest marina.
Atlantic Beach Fire Department also responded to the scene to assist.