A Washington-area construction worker died after suffering a fall near a work site at the Air and Space Museum.
The worker was transported with critical, life-threatening injuries on Monday morning, according to NBC 4. Workers were largely evacuated from the site after the incident, though some returned to work shortly after.
Police said the man was “struck in the head by a metal object” at the construction site.
CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT: A worker has badly fallen from the construction site at the Air & Space museum, on the 7th Street SW side. Transported with critical, life-threatening injuries. Site largely evacuated of workers. Some returning now. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/kdQfMnUK8R
— Nick Leimbach (@nleimbach) September 28, 2020
Linda St. Thomas, the spokeswoman for the Smithsonian Institution, told the Washington Post the worker, who was employed by a drywall contractor, fell from a hoist.
St. Thomas said the man worked for Component Drywall, a subcontractor for Clark, Smoot and Consigli construction companies, which are leading a project on the museum’s overhaul.
“Our deepest sympathies are with this gentleman’s family, friends, and co-workers during this incredibly difficult time,” read a statement from those companies. “We take all matters involving the safety of our workforce, our job sites, and the public seriously.”
D.C. police and regulatory agencies, including the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are investigating the incident.
