Brickell construction site to be re-inspected after 2 injured in collapse

1 dies after having heart attack while fleeing scene, authorities say

MIAMI – A construction site in Brickell will be re-inspected Thursday, a day after two people were injured during an accident at the site. 

"When a construction accident occurs, all you can hope for is the safety of everyone involved," Ryan Shear, principal of Property Markets Group, said Thursday in a statement. "Kevin, Michael Stern, myself and everyone at PMG and JDS send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the gentleman who passed."

Miami Fire Rescue officials said Salvador Garcon died from a heart attack while fleeing the area where a section of formwork collapsed at Echo Brickell, 1451 Brickell Ave.

Sky 10 was above the scene at 5 p.m. Wednesday and saw one vehicle that had been smashed by falling debris.

Authorities said the driver of the vehicle, Aracelis Mateo, 50, was trapped inside the car and was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Another person, Quincy Williams, 34, suffered a cut to the head and was also taken to the hospital.

Authorities said neither was seriously injured. 

"Whatever the circumstances, it's unbelievable," Jennifer Pema, a friend of Garcon, said. 

Garcon lived on Key Biscayne with his wife and two children. 

"He was a very dedicated father, loving husband, you can't say anything bad about the guy," Pema said. "He was fine. He was totally fine the day before." 

PMG executives said it's still unclear what caused the collapse from the top of the building.

"PMG, our general contractor (JMA) and city officials are working diligently to understand what happened with the formwork connection, which has not been determined at this time," Shear said. "The site has been secured and is currently being re-inspected to ensure proper safety measures are in place."

City of Miami spokeswoman Diana Gonzalez said it's unclear when the condominium building was scheduled to be completed.


About the Author

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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