JUNE 20, 2015
CAMPUSTOWN, AMES, IOWA
One person has been confirmed dead after two construction
workers fell from scaffolding while working on a new six-story apartment
complex on the corner of Lincoln Way and Lynn Avenue in Campustown late Friday
afternoon.
Ames police, firefighters and Mary Greeley Medical Center
rescue crews responded to the scene at approximately 5 p.m. Friday at 2300
Lincoln Way, where Minneapolis-based The Opus Group LLC is working on a new
apartment complex called The Foundry.
A press release from the Ames Fire Department said when
firefighters arrived, a ladder was required to gain access to the second-story
roof, where the two workers had fallen approximately three stories off of
scaffolding.
According to Ames police Sgt. Derek Grooters, one of the
workers died at the scene and the other was transported to Mary Greeley Medical
Center.
The condition of the worker transported to the hospital is
not being released. Pending notification of family, the workers’ names have not
yet been released.
Ames Deputy Fire Chief Richard Higgins said there were
multiple construction companies on site, and it is unknown which company the
workers were with. But Higgins said a supervisor overseeing all construction
was notified, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA).
Higgins said the cause of the accident is unknown and under
investigation.
“What I could see from the ground was everything still
looked intact, but something else might come up during the investigation,” he
said. “It’s a tragic event. It’s something we train for a lot, and we’re always
there to help, but we never want to see a loss of life like this. It’s tough.”
The redeveloped building where the accident happened is
located at the former location of the Campus Book Store, and now known as the
Foundry. In addition to apartment units geared toward university students, it
will feature first-floor retail options, including a Starbucks and Barefoot
Campus Outfitters store.