POINT LOOKOUT, N.Y. — A construction worker is dead, another remains missing and six others were injured after scaffolding collapsed into the water beneath the Loop Parkway drawbridge Wednesday morning, triggering a massive search-and-rescue operation involving emergency crews from multiple agencies.
The collapse occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. as eight contracted construction workers were performing work on the bridge as part of a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation project.
According to officials, one worker was rushed to an area hospital with CPR in progress but was later pronounced dead.
Another worker remains unaccounted for and is believed to possibly be trapped beneath the collapsed scaffolding underwater, as rescue crews continue searching the surrounding waters.
The six remaining workers suffered minor injuries during the collapse.
Dozens of first responders converged on the scene, launching an extensive search-and-rescue operation for the missing worker and medically treating the other injured workers.
Firefighters from the Atlantic Beach and Long Beach fire departments were among the numerous first responders working at the scene.
Marine units from several agencies also responded, including bay constables from the Town of Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay, the Nassau County Police Marine Bureau and the NYPD Harbor Unit, which assisted in the search for the missing worker.
The Loop Parkway remained closed in both directions as emergency crews continued their operations.
The cause of the scaffolding collapse remains under investigation.
