Worker Dies After Museum of African American History Accident

A construction worker hurt Wednesday afternoon while building the National Museum of African American History and Culture has died.

First responders were called to the construction site just south of the Washington Monument about 1 p.m. to rescue a worker off the roof, WTOP reported.

The man, who was working on metal panels, was critically injured and died later Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from Clark Construction, Smoot Construction and H.J. Russell & Company.

His name was not immediately released, and it wasn't immediately clear how he was injured.

"The accident is under investigation and we are cooperating with the Smithsonian, [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration] and other appropriate officials," the construction companies said.

"As always, safety on our job sites is our highest priority. The entire project team extends its deepest sympathies to this gentleman's family and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

No other workers were hurt, the construction companies said. 

The museum, located on five acres on the National Mall, is scheduled to open in 2016.

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