Person dies, another remains missing, after scaffolding collapses at Loop Parkway Bridge
Authorities said 8 contracted workers were performing construction work on the bridge when the scaffolding gave way, sending two people into the water.
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One person is dead and another still unaccounted for following a scaffolding collapse at the Loop Parkway Bridge on Wednesday, according to state police.
Authorities said 8 contracted workers were performing construction work on the bridge when the scaffolding gave way, sending two people into water around noon.
A worker later identified as 39-year-old Kleiton De Madeiros of Montclair, New Jersey, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Search efforts are still underway to locate the other worker, 38-year-old Diogo De Oliveira of Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Emergency personnel remain on scene.
The workers who fell into the water were part of a $13.8 million project to repair and repaint several bridges, including the Loop Parkway Bridge.
Champion Painting is the main contractor for a $13.8 million multilocation bridge painting and steel repair project that includes the Loop Parkway drawbridge, according to a New York State Department of Transportation source.
The project covers minor steel repairs and repainting on four bridges to prevent rust and corrosion, seal out water, and extend each structure's service life. In addition to the Loop Parkway drawbridge over Long Creek in the Town of Hempstead, work is scheduled across three other locations, with final completion expected by the end of 2027.
State police did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Wednesday regarding whether search and rescue efforts at the site remain ongoing.
Champion Painting could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez released the following statement:
"New York State DOT (NYSDOT) is working with emergency responders at all levels of government on the incident that took place today on the Loop Parkway drawbridge. We are very sorry to learn that one of the contractor employees involved has passed away. The safety of our workers and contractors is always NYSDOT’s top priority. NYSDOT is gathering information from the contractor and staff to assist in the investigation of this incident and has no further comment at this time."
