'We feel empty': Family's heartache over teen's worksite death just days after birthday
The family of an 18-year-old construction worker killed in a workplace accident has spoken out about the death of their “beautiful boy”.
Teenager Christopher Cassaniti, who had celebrated his birthday just days ago, was confirmed dead at the Macquarie Park worksite on Epping Road when he was pulled from the rubble of a 17-metre collapsed scaffolding tower on Monday afternoon.
“We feel devastated and empty by the loss of our beautiful boy, Christopher,” a family statement on Tuesday read.
“Christopher was a gentle, kind and hardworking young man full of life and love for his family. He was adored by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.”
His mother, who works at the site daily catering for workers, rushed to the scene with the teen’s father on Monday afternoon after hearing their son was trapped underneath the wreckage.
The pair were visibly devastated as the heartbreaking news sank in they had lost their son.
“While nothing can bring our son back, we don’t want his death to be just another statistic,” the statement continued.
“No other family should have to go through this horrendous pain. We ask that the government step in and take immediate action and implement stringent measures regarding safety on construction sites.
The family urged for safety measures to be at “the front and centre” of all construction sites across the country.
They are now awaiting the results of the investigation as to what happened.
“We will miss him dearly. One death is too many,” the statement continued.
Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union’s Darren Greenfield said on Monday, the teen’s death was incomprehensible for his parents.
“Obviously they’re not handling it very well… sending their young son out to work and he doesn’t come home,” Mr Greenfield said.
Another man, 39, was pulled from under the metal and work materials with critical injuries to his lower body, and was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.
New footage of colleagues trying to rescue the men has emerged, revealing a highly charged scene between first responders and workers.
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