By Trend News Line 2024-04-05 17:52:46.
Jorge de la Torre Identified as Victim of Crane Collapse
Fort Lauderdale police have identified the construction worker who tragically lost his life after part of a crane collapsed on a bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The victim has been named as 27-year-old Jorge de la Torre, a father of two young children.
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Details of the Incident
The incident occurred at the Southeast Third Avenue Bridge over the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Aerial footage from 7Skyforce showed a large presence of first responders at the scene, as well as two damaged vehicles—a dark-colored minivan and a Tesla SUV. The falling debris caused a large hole in the bridge.
According to fire rescue officials, a man and woman were transported to Broward Health Medical Center in stable condition. Both victims were released from the hospital the following morning. The driver of the Tesla was put on a stretcher but did not require hospitalization.
Heartfelt Tributes
On social media, loved ones of Jorge de la Torre expressed their grief and love for him. A poignant message read, “God took you from me and I’ll never know why. I will love you for the rest of my life. You are a great dad and annoyingly funny best friend, the best provider and love of my life.” The post included a photo of Jorge with his children.
The driver of the Tesla, Mark Cerezin, shared his condolences, saying, “My heart goes out to this person who lost their life and their loved ones. I mean, that could’ve been me.”
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Aftermath and Investigation
Following the incident, authorities secured the crane and cleared the area of debris and damaged vehicles. Investigations by multiple agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Florida Department of Transportation, are ongoing.
The closure of the bridge caused significant traffic disruptions and halted marine traffic along the New River. However, since its reopening, traffic has returned to normal.
Worker Testimonies
Workers at the site revealed that Jorge de la Torre and five other men operated the top half of the crane. They also mentioned that the cable holding the crane’s pieces had been recently replaced. The exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with KAST Construction, the company overseeing the high-rise project, being contacted for comment.
As the community mourns the loss of Jorge de la Torre, questions surrounding the safety protocols and maintenance of construction equipment have come to the forefront. The impact of this tragedy will be felt for a long time to come.
Conclusion
The untimely death of Jorge de la Torre serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by construction workers every day. As investigations continue, efforts to ensure the safety of workers in the industry must be prioritized. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jorge de la Torre during this difficult time..
1. Construction worker killed crane collapse SE 3rd Avenue Bridge downtown Fort Lauderdale identified
2. Construction worker death crane accident SE 3rd Avenue Bridge Fort Lauderdale identified.
