Construction accident victim sues. OSHA, police investigate

By Amy Teeple

Published on May 24, 2006

Cornelio Ruiz, 64, was working on the 26th floor of the high rise while workers on the floor above were pouring concrete. The roof collapsed, dropping debris and quick drying concrete on four workers. Torivio Acevedo, 36, Menes Daniel, 52, and Endy Guirland, 34, were entombed and died before rescuers could reach them. Ruiz was able to pull himself up on a fallen metal beam but sustained serious injuries.

The lawsuit charges Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction Co. with negligence. It notes improper procedures related to the pouring of cement. The lawsuit also questions the decision to hire Southland Forming of West Palm Beach, a subcontractor with a history of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) citations.

The Miami-Dade Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident. No criminal charges have been filed at this time.

OSHA is also conducting a separate investigation into the fatal accident. OSHA officials interviewed witnesses and documented the accident site. Findings may take up to six weeks.

The families of the deceased workers have not filed any lawsuits at this time, but the Acevado’s family attorney plans to hire an expert to review the accident.

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