Suffolk Building Collapse: 'Hero' Police Officer Did Triage Work

ST. JAMES, NY — Six people were injured in a partial building collapse in St. James on Thursday afternoon, Suffolk police said.

One person is in critical condition, while another was seriously hurt, Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told reporters.

Six construction workers were on scaffolds dismantling the front façade of 840 Middle Country Road when the façade's cinderblocks fell on them, knocking them off the scaffolding at approximately 1:30 p.m., police said. The workers for Sit Back & Relax Ground Maintenance fell more than 20 feet, police said. All six men were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. One of the men was airlifted via Suffolk County Police helicopter.

A Suffolk police officer who happened to be nearby did "phenomenal" triage work after the building collapsed, Harrison said.

"Some of the workers are actually calling her a hero for the triage work that she did," Harrison said.

Work on the building has been ongoing for a couple of weeks after an auto shop took over the establishment, according to Harrison. Harrison said all workers had the appropriate credentials.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and is investigating.
The Smithtown Building Inspector and Smithtown Fire Marshal responded.

Route 25 reopened following a road closure in both directions between Lake Avenue and Cambon Avenue in St. James, police said.