Teen identified as construction worker killed in Sydney worksite tragedy
An 18-year-old man has been identified as the construction worker who lost his life when a 17-metre scaffolding tower collapsed in Sydney’s north.
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 eventually pulled from the rubble on Monday afternoon.
His mother, who works at the site daily catering for workers, rushed to the scene with the teen’s father. The pair were visibly devastated as the heartbreaking news sank in.
“Obviously they’re not handling it very well… sending their young son out to work and he doesn’t come home,” Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union’s Darren Greenfield said.
“We could hear them calling for help. We just tried to get all the scaffolding and bricks off them,” worker Te Wihongi said.
Police quickly forced the gathering crowd back to allow the rescue team in.
“The first resources that arrived on scene found an absolutely chaotic and emotionally charged scene,” NSW Ambulance Inspector Steve Vaughan said.
The 39-year-old man was extracted shortly after 1pm and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.
He sustained critical injuries to his lower body.
The incident is now under multiple investigations to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Workers speculated to 7News the scaffolding was potentially overloaded or had supports removed.
“Some workers won’t come back to the industry after witnessing something like that,” Mr Greenfield said.
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