Woman killed when large steel cylinder escapes construction site near Pitt’s Petersen Events Center

PITTSBURGH — A woman was killed in a construction accident near Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

PHOTOS: Deadly construction accident shuts down road near Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Public Safety officials said emergency crews were called to the 3700 block of Terrace Street at 10:40 a.m.

A woman was found to have catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene minutes after medics arrived.

>> Channel 11 sits down with grieving family of woman killed in Oakland construction site accident

The initial investigation indicates that a large metal drum escaped a nearby construction site, rolled down the hill, broke through fencing and hit the woman on the sidewalk.

Public safety officials said the piece of metal weighs at least one ton.

>> Subcontractor working site where steel cylinder killed woman received OSHA violation last year

A massive construction cylinder is seen in the middle of the road resting against a pickup truck.

Initial reports indicate the woman was a staff member at one of the local hospitals and was with one or two coworkers when she was hit, Public safety officials said.

Subcontractor Costa Contracting released the following statement:

With heavy hearts, Costa Contracting wishes to extend their deepest condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life today. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this profoundly difficult time.

Costa Contracting is committed to a full investigation to determine the factors that led to this event. Safety remains our paramount concern and we are working with OSHA and local authorities to understand precisely what occurred.

At this time, we respect the privacy of the family and ask that others do the same.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

UPMC issued the following statement to Channel 11:

UPMC is aware of this tragedy and our immediate concern is the safety and well-being of our employees, patients and visitors. While this was not a UPMC construction site, we know this tragedy will impact our campuses. At this time, we have no further information to share.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Counseling Center released the following statement:

“Earlier today, a pedestrian was fatally injured near a construction site in the vicinity of DeSoto Street and Terrace Street. The individual is not a current student or employee of the University of Pittsburgh. No other injuries have been reported and no additional details are available at this time. The City of Pittsburgh and Occupational Safety and Health Administration will lead the investigation with the full support of the University. We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim.”

Gilbane | Massaro joint-venture, which is serving as construction manager on the University of Pittsburgh Sports Complex, also issued the following statement:

“We are working closely with authorities to investigate this tragic incident involving one of our subcontractors. We’re grateful to the first responders for their swift actions at the site. We are deeply saddened by today’s events and our hearts go out to the family of the individual impacted by this incident.”

Pitt Police said there are traffic disruptions on Desoto Street between Sutherland Drive and O’Hara Street. Police are asking the public to avoid the area or allow extra time for traffic.

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