Fairfield (NJ) On May 18, 2022, at 8:39 AM, the FairfieldPolice Department received a report that a temporary wooden construction stairway had collapsed at the construction site of a condominium building located at 8 Kingsbridge Road. It was reported that two individuals were injured.
The first responding officers found a 54-year-old Towaco man had fallen approximately 20 feet and was consciousand lying on a first-floor landing complaining of pain in his ribs. There was a heavy, broken piece of the stairwayhanging above the victim and a similar piece on the collapsed stairs leading to the first-floor landing. Thisinitially prevented first responders from immediately treating and extricating the victim from the scene.
Personnel from the Fairfield Fire Department and West Essex First Aid Squad worked to secure the piece of the stairway that was above the victim and also worked to cut away the piece of the stairway that prevented access to the victim. They were eventually able to reach this individual who was then transported to an area hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries was unknown. In addition to this victim, a 45-year-old-male from Oakhurst, N.J. also reported having received an injury to his back. He also was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The state’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, who are specially trained in these types of rescues, was mobilized and responded to assist. Also assisting at the scene was Atlantic Healthcare EMS, and personnel from the Verona, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, and Caldwell Fire Departments.
“This incident could have been much worse as two other individuals were also in proximity to the accident. One had just exited the stairway before the incident, and another was about to enter the stairway from an upper floor” said Chief Anthony G. Manna.
The job site was immediately shut down by the Fairfield Building Department until the accident is investigated by officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Authorized by: Chief Anthony Manna
