East Link Job Site Shut Down After Worker Seriously Injured

BELLEVUE, WA — A worker was seriously injured after shoring equipment fell on him at an East Link light rail construction site Thursday, according to Bellevue Fire. Firefighters responded to a rescue call off Bellevue Way Southeast, north of the Interstate 90 on-ramp, just before 11 a.m. Crews were able to pull the man from the debris, and medics rushed him to a Seattle hospital.

Sound Transit said the worker was dissembling a temporary support structure along Interstate 90 when it fell on him.

"The safety of our workers and the public is Sound Transit's top priority," said Rachelle Cunningham, a Public Information Officer with Sound Transit.

"The contractor, Shimmick/Parsons Joint Venture, has shut down the job site, and we will do everything possible to support the investigation into the incident to understand what occurred, and take any needed actions," Cunningham said.

Construction on the East Link light rail extension is projected to continue through 2022, with service slated to begin in 2023.

One male worker was transported by Medic 102 to a Seattle hospital with life-threatening injuries. Our crews are now clearing the scene.
— Bellevue Fire Dept (@BvueFD) October 24, 2019