Two workers hurt as concrete falls from Raleigh building onto scaffolding

The incident occurred at 1001 Wade Ave. at about 11 a.m.

The concrete became loose from one of three areas where the scaffolding was secured to the building's roof, authorities said. When it fell and hit the metal frame, the entire scaffolding apparatus became unstable and dropped several floors, they said.

"We heard something crack, and then we heard a loud bang," said Keith Kornegay, who was on the roof of the building installing phone equipment.

The work crew on the scaffolding was caulking windows as part of a weatherproofing project, authorities said. WRAL News hasn't been able to find the name of the company that was doing the work.

One worker suffered minor injuries, but the second appeared to be unconscious and had to be lowered from the scaffolding to the ground by Raleigh Fire Department crews.

"All we know is some debris fell and struck the gentleman on the scaffolding," fire department Battalion Chief Jeff Harrison said.

There was no immediate word on the conditions of the two men.

A third worker on the scaffolding wasn't hurt.

"I was more than a little concerned because I thought I should have been able to hear something," Kornegay said. "I didn't even hear anybody scream, so that's how quick it happened, and my primary concern, once I found out – we came down here and then saw police securing everything – I wanted to make sure everybody was OK."

City inspectors were at the building Thursday afternoon to investigate the accident.