Photo Courtesy of JFK
The incident marks the second serious workplace event to occur at JFK in the past month.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Two construction workers died on Monday in an accident at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Francisco Reyes, 41, and Fernando Lagunas Pereira, 28, were working in a 30-foot trench and became trapped when a concrete slab fell on top of them just before 11:10 a.m. at Building 49 on the airport grounds, according to a New York Post report.
Elite City firefighting units rushed to the scene and, with the help of the Port Authority Emergency Service Unit, were able to pull the pair from the rubble.
“A stop order for all construction at JFK has been issued. The Port Authority is conducting a thorough investigation and will be cooperating with all other investigative agencies,” airport officials said in a statement.
Photo Courtesy of WABC-TV
Crews work to free the two workers from the rubble on Monday at JFK Airport.
The City Council also issued a statement on Monday, noting that construction worker deaths have been on the rise recently.
“Our communities are devastated to learn about the death of two construction workers who lost their lives while on the job at a generating plant at JFK International Airport. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones, and we express our condolences during this difficult time. Construction worker deaths have reached a recent five-year high, and this incident marks the second serious workplace incident to occur at JFK International Airport in the past month alone,” Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks, chairwoman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, wrote.
“JFK International Airport is not just a gateway to New York City, but also an essential part of our Southeast Queens community. Residents, workers, and visitors alike deserve to be safe — and that must include the essential workers who contribute to the daily activity and success of the airport and surrounding communities,” they continued.
“As the New York City Council representatives for the JFK International Airport community, we are steadfastly committed to working alongside all stakeholders to protect the frontline workers who are building and strengthening New York’s transportation infrastructure. As we await more details about what led to their deaths, we will work with our colleagues at the Port Authority to support those healing from the trauma of losing a loved one, and ensure that this never happens again.”
