ORLANDO, Fla. – A worker pulled from a shaft at a construction site in Orange County has died, officials said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called around noon Wednesday to the site, part of a Florida Department of Transportation project, near Palm and Central Florida parkways, west of I-4.
Deputies said it appears the man was struck by something, and Orange County Fire Rescue said crews performed a technical rescue to extricate the worker, who fell 20 feet into the shaft.
The man was taken to AdventHealth’s Palm Parkway ER and later died, sheriff’s officials said.
FDOT later issued a statement about the man’s death.
“The Florida Department of Transportation is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place on the Daryl Carter Parkway overpass project in Orlando. We extend sincere condolences to the family and friends enduring such heartbreaking news,” the statement read.
FDOT said work on the project has been paused while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducts an investigation.
“FDOT is fully cooperating with law enforcement and stands ready to help any way possible throughout the investigation,” the statement concluded.
Sheriff’s officials said it’s not believed that any foul play was involved.
No other details have been released.
#TechRescue: 1 patient was extricated and transported to Advent Health's Palm Parkway FSED. Patient fell into an approximately 20ft shaft and crews performed a tech rescue to extricate them. Incident occurred around Palm and Central Florida.
— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) March 20, 2024