Worker Dies in Collapse of Freeway Sound Wall
A quake-damaged freeway sound wall being razed by a construction crew collapsed Tuesday night in the San Fernando Valley, killing one worker and injuring at least one other, authorities said.
The incident occurred at 7:28 p.m. along the Branford Street on-ramp to the southbound Golden State freeway, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
Officials said a private construction crew had been dismantling a wall, unbolting the 12-foot-high concrete panels from their foundations for removal by a crane. Humphrey said it appeared that the wall had been completely unbolted but not yet attached to the crane when it suddenly toppled, crushing one worker--a man about 25 years old--and injuring a second man.
One worker was declared dead at the scene. The other was taken to Pacifica Hospital of the Valley in Sun Valley, where he was listed in good condition with minor back and leg injuries.
Names of the victims were being withheld pending notification of families.
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