Two Workers Killed in Everett, Massachusetts Crane Collapse

Two subcontractors were killed Friday afternoon after a large crane collapsed at an industrial site along the Mystic River in Everett, Massachusetts. Officials say the accident occurred around 3 p.m. as crews were performing demolition work on obsolete equipment at a marine dock terminal.

Everett Fire Chief Joe Hickey confirmed that one worker was pronounced dead at the scene. The second worker died later after being transported to Massachusetts General Hospital. Authorities have not released their names but described both victims as young men employed by a subcontractor on the project. No other workers were reported injured or missing.

Sky5 aerial footage showed a red crane, estimated to be four to five stories tall, lying horizontally across the dock as police and fire crews worked nearby. The site, part of a multi-year redevelopment project led by Charter Contracting, is being transformed into a mixed-use community designed to reconnect Everett residents to the city’s waterfront.

Charter Contracting’s president and founder, Bob Delhome, issued a statement following the tragedy, saying the company is “devastated” and is working closely with officials to determine what happened. “We are actively coordinating with all relevant public safety officials to understand why and how this happened,” he said, extending sympathy to the victims’ families and gratitude to first responders.

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. OSHA has been notified, and authorities, including Massachusetts State Police and Everett Police, are investigating.

Crane Collapses: A Persistent Safety Concern

Crane collapses are among the most dangerous types of construction accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. They can occur for a variety of reasons, including equipment failure, improper assembly, overloading, or unstable ground conditions. Because cranes are used in high-risk environments and handle heavy materials, strict safety inspections and operational procedures are essential to prevent tragedies like this one.

At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve seen how industrial and construction accidents devastate families and communities. Every worker deserves a safe job site and strong safety oversight. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.