Worker Dies From Injuries In Construction Collapse At Vernon Hills Mall
VERNON HILLS, Ill. (STMW) -- One of two construction workers injured in a partial wall collapse at the Westfield Hawthorn Mall in north suburban Vernon Hills late Thursday night has died.
Lake County Coroner Robert Rudd confirmed Friday morning that one of the workers had died from his injuries.
Officials have not yet released the name of the man, but Rudd said more information would be released following an autopsy today.
The accident occurred about 11 p.m. Thursday night as workers were demolishing a portion of the former Ruby Tuesday restaurant, which is adjacent to the southwest entrance of the mall. Three workers were struck by falling concrete while removing an outer layer of brick from an exterior wall of the structure, Vernon Hills police said in a statement.
Two of the workers were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where the 25-year-old Palos Park man was later pronounced dead, police said. The other worker suffered only minor injuries.
Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Steingart said both men had been uncovered from the rubble by co-workers when fire and rescue personnel arrived at the scene, Steingart said.
The nighttime work was part of a project to replace the former Ruby Tuesday with a new Maggiano's restaurant.
"At this point there is no indication that this is other than a tragic accident," Vernon Hills village manager Michael Allison said in the statement.
"Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of the deceased," Allison said.
An investigation into the accident is being conducted by the Vernon Hills Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
