Worker killed by elevator after apparently dropping phone at Manhattan construction site: Police

WABC logo
Friday, October 25, 2019
Worker killed by elevator at NYC construction site
A worker was killed by an elevator after apparently dropping his phone at a Midtown Manhattan construction site.

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN (WABC) -- A worker was killed by an elevator after apparently dropping his phone at a Midtown Manhattan construction site, police said.

The FDNY responded to the scene at 1227 Broadway between 29th and 30th Street around 3:10 p.m. Thursday.

Officials said the 24-year-old construction worker was riding the elevator approaching the 33rd floor when he apparently dropped his phone and was fatally injured.

Police said he was crushed by a metal saddle that protruded from the elevator shaft. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene.

The death appears to be accidental, and an investigation is ongoing.

The identity of the victim has not been released.

The DOB released the following statement:

"This was an entirely preventable tragedy. Construction is a dangerous business, which is why the Department enforces some of the most stringent worker safety regulations in the country, and why all people on a construction site should be alert and fully aware of any potential hazards. DOB investigators from our Construction Safety and Elevator Enforcement units are conducting a thorough investigation of yesterday's incident."

----------

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts