Disney

2 Construction Workers Killed After Scaffolding Collapse at Site Near Walt Disney World

What to Know

  • Orange County Fire Rescue said that the accident took place at a hotel being built near Chelonia Parkway.
  • The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene while a third worker was able to climb back to safety and suffered minor injuries.

Two construction workers fell to their deaths when scaffolding collapsed above the sixth floor of a hotel under construction near Disney World early Wednesday. A third worker managed to hang on and climb to safety, a fire-rescue spokesman said.

The collapse took place at a hotel under construction on Chelonia Parkway, which is close to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, Orange County Fire Rescue said. The workers were between the sixth and seventh floors when the incident occurred, according to NBC affiliate WESH-TV.

Fire-Rescue got the call at about 4:15 a.m., when about 18 workers were at the scene.

The two victims who died were pronounced dead at the scene. The third worker suffered minor injuries but was not taken to the hospital.

The accident happened just outside Disney property, Orange County Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles said.

"They were on the scaffolding, and for reasons unknown at this time, that support structure gave way, sending two workers plummeting to the ground below. Both died on the scene. A third worker managed to hang onto the scaffolding and managed to climb to safety," Jachles said.

Officials have not released information on why the scaffold gave way. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and OSHA will investigate.

Marriott International has described the project as a 16-story, $282 million JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, featuring 516 rooms near Orlando's popular theme parks. It's owned and developed by DCS Investment Holdings, a private equity group based in West Palm Beach, Florida, which is owned by Dwight C. Schar, co-owner of the Washington Redskins.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place earlier today," said Jeff Flaherty, who handles global communications and public affairs for Marriott. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the workers who died."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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