One person died and another was still missing after scaffolding collapsed under a Long Island highway bridge leading to the South Shore, sending construction workers into the water below.
The incident occurred just before noon Wednesday on the Long Creek Bridge along the Loop Parkway heading to Point Lookout in Nassau County, according to state police. The highway span connects Point Lookout to the Meadowbrook State Parkway.
The crew had been doing work on the draw bridge when the scaffolding they were on somehow gave way, sending two workers into the water, according to officials.
One worker died as a result of the collapse, New York State Police said. The other worker who fell into the water was still missing as of Wednesday night. Six other workers involved didn’t fall into the water, but did suffer injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police said.
Search and rescue teams from multiple agencies were at the scene, and police boats could be seen in the water below the span, with divers going underwater to conduct their searches.
The state’s Department of Transportation said it was working with emergency responders as they look into the incident.
“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,” the DOT said, adding that it was “gathering information from the contractor and staff to assist in the investigation.”
Loop Parkway was closed in both directions for hours, officials said, before the westbound side was reopened shortly before 3 p.m. The other lanes remained closed through Wednesday night.
Construction along the Loop Parkway has been going on for months, and recently the work has forced the bridge to be closed for extended periods of time.
An investigation is ongoing. New York State Police said further information would be provided later Wednesday.
