| Construction Worker Dies in Silver Reef Industrial Site Accident |
| By Teshell Samuel |
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| Scene of fatal Silver Reef industrial site accident |
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Jan. 27 -- A supervisor on the site of the Silver Reef Resort project died on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 25) as a result of a freak accident at the development.
Elias Benjamin, a 47-year-old Site Supervisor with the construction company, Fort Tyson Ltd. died after a flight of wooden steps being lifted to a building under construction fell and crushed him sometime around 2:30 p.m.
According to a statement issued by Construction Director at Silver Reef, Sebastian Mottram, Benjamin was injured while supervising a lifting operation moving construction material to the top floor of a building. He said that it is believed that the load slipped from the lifting straps and fell on top of him. Mottram indicated that emergency triage procedures were immediately put into place and medics from the Emergency Medical Services responded quickly to the Frigate Bay site, however both were unable to revive the man.
The Construction Director labeled the accident as “tragic” and indicated that all employees were deeply shocked by the events of the afternoon. He issued condolences to Benjamin’s family and said that “our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time”.
The Observer understands that the deceased had been employed with the Silver Reef since construction began in 2008. While Benjamin lived at Thompson Street in East Basseterre, his family resides in his native land, the Dominican Republic. Silver Reef representatives contacted his family members personally, this media house learned, and through the assistance of Benjamin’s Spanish-speaking friends, were able to communicate the tragic details and offer their sympathy.
Sergeant Stephen Hector, Police Press and Public Relations Officer (PRO) explained that the investigation into the matter is ongoing to determine whether foul play can be ruled out as the cause for the death.
The PRO indicated that in matters of this nature, statements from all parties involved would be recorded to assist in the investigation. Silver Reef management maintains that the correct safety procedures, equipment and lifting plans were in place at the time of the incident. The site has been closed until further notice. |
