Ten people described as construction workers were rushed to Schneider Regional Medical Center on Friday after an apparent scaffold collapse in western St. Thomas. A spokesperson for the medical center said preparations were underway for an air evacuation for one of the victims; two more were being scheduled for emergency surgery.
Seven more were awaiting treatment at the time of this report.
Details were not available as to whether any first responders were called to the scene, believed to have been at a construction site near Botany Bay. Officials did not disclose the conditions of any of the 10 people brought to the emergency room at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
“Today, at approximately 10:45 a.m., ten male patients arrived at the RLSH Emergency Room by private vehicles following a scaffolding collapse at a construction site. The injuries include spinal compression, fractures, impalements, and abrasions, said Schneider Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Tina Comissiong.
Comissiong said most of those brought in for medical treatment will most likely be released by Friday night. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team here at RLSH. Their swift and efficient response made all the difference today … The coordinated efforts of our medical team ensured that the patients received the highest level of care promptly. Our thoughts are with the injured individuals and their families during this challenging time,” the medical center chief said.
Construction site accidents are uncommon in the Virgin Islands; none involve the number of victims reported in the SRMC statement issued Friday. The most recent one occurred during the reconstruction of the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Resort on July 18, 2021. One construction worker was killed in a forklift accident.
There is no confirmation at press time of any calls being placed to the territory’s 911 emergency call line to report any incidents at or in the vicinity of Botany Bay. Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. said he had no comment at this time.
