Worker Rescued After Falling 30 Feet

A construction worker who was working at an excavation site in Center City Philadelphia is in critical condition after falling nearly 30 feet into the foundation.

The incident happened shortly before 1 p.m. at the corner of 19th and Arch Streets.

A worker on the scene, Nino Roca, says the carpenter suffered a gash to his arm in the fall Thursday but was conscious and alert afterward.

Police say the 54-year-old carpenter suffered lacerations and was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital. His name has not been released.

Witnesses say they were terrified.

"I saw these fire engines come and I thought 'oh my god' not another demolition scene, not another construction site," said Ellen Kopeland.

Police say that a responding firefighter suffered a seizure on the scene, and is now in stable condition.

An apartment complex is being built at that location.

Work at the construction site has been halted. Department of Licenses and Inspections officials were called to the scene to make sure the site is safe.

Check back for more details on this developing story.

More stories on NBC10.com:

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us