Three men working to install a water main beneath a bridge fell into the Arkansas River when the scaffolding they were on collapsed Wednesday morning. Two of the men have not been located and are presumed drowned. The third man’s body was found entangled in rope that was attached to the platform.
Because of rain and rough currents in the river, the search for the two missing men has been postponed. A spokesman for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office said, “There will not be an active search,” and that the bodies will most likely turn up within one or two days. However, because the river is swollen from recent flooding and heavy rain is predicted for the next couple of days, it could be longer.
The men were employed by a Roanoke, Texas company called Oscar Renda Contracting Inc., and were in Arkansas to help with a $43 million project for the Arkansas Water Utility. OSHA will be leading the investigation into why the scaffolding collapsed.
If you have lost a loved one in a construction accident, please contact an experienced injury lawyer in your area to discuss your legal options.
