Thursday, 4:30 PM
Worker rescued 25 feet above Chelsea construction site
By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff
Chelsea firefighters rescued a construction worker who was trapped 25 feet in the air today when shifting debris pinned his hand underneath a roof during the demolition of part of the old Mystic Mall.
Deputy fire chief Robert Zalewski said the man was using an air tool to pick apart portions of the roof of the former Midas Muffler shop when debris shifted and trapped his hand. The man, who officials did not identify because of federal privacy laws, was working 25 feet above the ground in a "man basket," a cherry-picker like platform used at construction sites.
A firefighter was on scene as required under city ordnance for demolition projects and called for help. Firefighters trained in building collapses arrived and were able to free the man in 20 minutes, Zalewski said.
The worker was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where his condition was not immediately available. Zalewski said the man was conscious and alert when he was rescued.
A city building inspector stopped demolition at the site, Zalewski said. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.
