By Mary Malloy
Just a half-mile from the scene of another accident earlier that morning, in which a scaffolding had collapsed, tossing five construction workers to the ground at the Sunrise Executive Hotel, the KeySpan employee was working in a trench on Union Avenue, installing a new feeder gas main, when a chunk of asphalt above him broke apart, crushing him against the newly laid pipe, according to KeySpan spokeswoman Karen Young.
Lynbrook firefighters, under the command of 3rd Assistant Chief Kevin Bien, were called to the scene, where KeySpan workers were in the trench, attempting to stabilize the fractured asphalt and extricate their coworker. According to fire department spokesman Steve Grogan, the firefighters joined them in the rescue effort. "The injured worker was put on a backboard and lifted out of the trench," said Grogan, "where he was placed on a stretcher and into one of the department's ambulances."
Medics determined that the victim was in serious condition, suffering from a chest wound, numerous fractured ribs and internal bleeding, and he was having difficulty breathing. "Originally, fire medics were going to wait for a Nassau County Police Department helicopter," said Grogan. "But due to the serious nature of his injuries, they decided to transport [him] immediately by ambulance." The KeySpan worker was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, and directly into surgery. According to Grogan, a second worker was treated at the scene and released. It was not known whether he was in the trench when it collapsed, or went in after the collapse to help his coworker.
"I really praise the quick actions of both the KeySpan workers and the fire department, "said Fire Chief Keith Festa. "The workers tied a rope to hold up the asphalt and get it off the guy so the medics could stabilized [him]."
The collapse occurred near Oakland Avenue, where KeySpan is currently laying new feeder gas pipes in a trench along the length of Union Avenue. All permits and approvals were in order, according to Building Superintendent Michael Ryder.
The Malverne Fire Department's Heavy Rescue Unit also responded to the scene to assist.
The injured worker was still hospitalized, in guarded condition, as the Herald went to press. According to an Occupational Safety & Health Administration spokesman, Ted Fitzgerald, the incident is still under investigation.
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
