Steel Cylinder Rolls from a Pittsburgh Construction Site, Kills Woman Walking on Street

“At the end of the day, it is completely avoidable, it is completely inexcusable, and it cost somebody their life.” – Ben Baer

On May 3, 2024, an employee of UPMC was walking on the sidewalk in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. Suddenly, a large steel cylinder, estimated to weigh a ton or more, rolled down the hillside and crashed through the construction site’s partition. The cylinder escaped the construction site and tragically struck and killed a woman.

ILP Cofounding Partner Ben Baer has extensive experience in representing individuals injured due to carelessness at construction sites resulting in workplace hazards. Ben Baer spoke with ABC News Pittsburgh affiliate WTAE and discussed how incidents like this occur. Baer expressed that it is the responsibility of the construction site to maintain control over its material and should never endanger the public. He shared, “At the end of the day, it is completely avoidable, it is completely inexcusable, and it cost somebody their life.”

At this time the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) will begin an investigation. A proper investigation will entail photographing the scene, preserving the physical evidence, and taking witness statements from on-site workers civilians in the area. ILP expects that there will be numerous OSHA violations stemming from this tragic incident.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims’ family and ILP is ready to help them – or any victim of tragic circumstances like these.