The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Thursday, March 28, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

Fortifying beam falls, hospitalizing two construction contractors

construction photo.jpg
Site of a construction accident on the morning of July 9, 2019. Two contractors were injured when a fortifying beam fell at the site, near the intersection of Medical Drive and South Columbia

Two construction contractors were injured near Mitchell Hall around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. 

A fortifying beam fell on the two workers at a repair site, University officials say, and they were rescued at the scene of the accident, which took place near the intersection between Medical Drive and South Columbia Street. 

“The men were conscious when they were pulled out and transported to UNC Hospitals. We appreciate the quick and collaborative efforts of the first responders,” vice chancellor for finance and operations Jonathan Pruitt said in a statement.

“Thanks to the swift response from UNC Police; Chapel Hill Fire Department; Orange County Emergency Services and UNC Environment, Health and Safety.”

Pruitt said the project is focused on repairing a utility steam vault. Workers on the scene declined to comment, and the University is still awaiting updates on the construction contractors’ conditions. 

News reports said South Columbia was temporarily closed Tuesday morning, but was re-opened after a few hours.

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.