8 people hurt in partial building collapse in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - Eight people were hospitalized following a partial building collapse in New Haven, according to officials at Yale New Haven Hospital.

One of them was said to be in serious condition.

The others suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were evaluated.

Officials held a news conference around 2:20 p.m. on Friday.

Director of Emergency Operations for New Haven Rick Fontana confirmed that the incident happened on Lafayette Street on Friday.

“We’re very fortunate that no one was killed here,” Fontana said.

Officials confirmed it happened at a residential building that is under construction.

The second floor collapsed during a concrete pour. Fire officials said the trapped workers had to be rescued before the concrete hardened.

“They fell literally 2 floors inside of a structure which is just about 30 feet,” said Fontana.

New Haven fire officials said 36 people were inside the building at the time.

8 people, all construction workers, were brought to Yale New Haven Hospital.

As of 3:45 p.m. Saturday, 4 of the workers have been discharged, 3 are listed in fair condition, and one is in serious condition, according to Yale New Haven Hospital.

Three of them were partially buried under the rubble, and several people were lifted out because of how far they fell.

The concrete pour was happening about two stories up when the collapse happened.

“This was a standard cement pour that got away from them, into an area. I’ll wait for final investigation, but from debris we were able to see it looks as if all of it pooled into one side while they were pushing and all of them in that area went in,” said New Haven Fire Chief John Alston.

“It raises questions for all of us to make sure that we constantly stay aware of our surroundings,” Fontana added.

The building is owned by RMS Companies.

“First and foremost, the safety of our construction teams is our top priority. Our thoughts are focused on a full recovery for those who were injured and we greatly appreciate the heroic work of the first responders. We will continue to work with our safety team and all of the appropriate government agencies to fully investigate the incident.”

A stop work order has been issued for the building.

Lafayette Street is back open, but officials ask that you avoid the area.

Channel 3 has a crew on the scene.

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