4 hurt when concrete slab collapses at UCF dorm construction site

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A 7,000 pound concrete slab fell at a construction site in Seminole County Monday, injuring four workers, authorities said.

The workers were building a dorm on Lockwood Boulevard and Foxcroft Circle that will be used by students at the University of Central Florida.

Emergency crews from the Seminole County Fire Department said the crane was lowering a slab of concrete flooring when it collapsed.

Witnesses said four people were on top of the slab when it collapsed. When Seminole County fire crews arrived, they found two people caught under the rubble.

“Two were entrapped. They had to somehow lift the concrete,” said Paula Thompson of the Seminole County Fire Department.

Once free, paramedics rushed the victims to the Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

Crews said it appeared one of the workers broke his back and a woman had severe injuries to her head.

The two other victims were not as severely injured, officials said.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to take over the investigation.

UCF sent a statement to WFTV, saying, "UCF doesn't own the property and isn't in charge of construction, but will manage the project once it's complete."

Finfrock, the company in charge of the project, told WFTV the slab that fell was already installed. They said another piece of building was placed on top of the slab, which shouldn't have been, and that’s what caused the collapse.

Finfrock said it was likely the crane operator was given poor guidance.

“We have safety meetings, you know,” said worker Robert Pizarro. “Everybody's safety conscious, always. Nobody wants to get hurt, especially near the holidays."

WFTV