Tragedy Strikes in Borough Park: Man Killed in Illegal Construction Site Collapse

This article was brought to you by NYS workers’ compensation lawyers at Markhoff & Mittman P.C

This year has quickly begun to unravel with a tragic turn of events, a construction site collapse in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn claimed the life of a 33-year-old man on February 2, 2024. The incident, which occurred at 1266 50th St., unfolded during illegal construction work, disregarding a stop work order issued by authorities.

Violation of Safety Protocols

The collapse occurred within the basement floor of a two-story building under construction, marking a devastating outcome for the worker involved. According to officials, the construction site was operating in violation of a stop work order, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo expressed shock over the blatant disregard for safety protocols, stating, “The only work at the 50th Street home should have been ‘to make this site safe…they should not have been doing this work, let alone having a bobcat inside this structure.'”

Lack of Oversight Raises Concerns

The absence of submitted plans to the Department of Buildings raises serious concerns about the lack of oversight and alignment with regulatory standards. Commissioner Oddo highlighted the danger of the situation, specifying potential fines that would amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the site’s shameless violation of the partial stop work order.

Collapse Details and Rescue Efforts

The collapse itself manifested on the first floor buckling into a V-shape, surging into the basement below. While the exact cause of the collapse remains undetermined, the presence of construction materials on the floor at the time indicates the hazardous conditions established on-site.

Despite the courageous efforts of first responders to free the victim from the debris, their attempts were sadly ineffective, and the worker was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased has recently been identified as Juan Tamay, leaving a cloud of mourning and grief for his 10-year-old son William Tamay.

Calls for Safety Compliance and Investigations

With few details released as of yet, the incident serves as a heavy reminder of the importance of continuing safety regulations in construction ventures. The terrible loss of life highlights the necessity for strict obedience to protocols and maintaining a watchful eye to prevent such disasters from repeating in the future.

As investigations into the incident continue, the community mourns the loss of a life cut short and awaits further developments in this troubling saga of negligence and tragedy.

Legal Options for Victims of a Death at Work

In the wake of a tragic incident resulting in the death of a loved one due to negligence in the workplace, Markhoff & Mittman PC stands ready to provide compassionate legal guidance and support to the affected families. Our experienced team understands the immense emotional and financial toll such a loss can bring. Victims’ families may have legal recourse through avenues such as pursuing wrongful death claims to seek compensation for their loss, including financial support for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. Additionally, the experienced legal team at our firm can assist in navigating workers’ compensation benefits, social security disability claims, and other avenues of financial support available to the surviving family members. We offer a free consultation to assess each case’s specifics and provide personalized legal advice, ensuring families understand their rights and options during this challenging time.

Source:

Worker killed in construction site collapse in Borough Park, Brooklyn, that DOB said was illegal – ABC7 New York (abc7ny.com)