High winds cause scaffold collapse

High winds with gusts of up to 50 mph are said to have been the cause of a scaffolding collapse on Dec. 11 in Etna, PA. While there were no injuries reported, at least six families have been displaced.

The scaffolding was being used to renovate a warehouse owned by The AM Group. Sources say the high winds caused the scaffolding exterior wrap to experience a “sail effect,” which pulled the scaffold over. The collapse brought down three telephone poles and also took out power lines.

Much of Western Pennsylvania was under a wind advisory on Dec. 11 followed by heavy rainfall.

The construction site was part of the 51st Bridge Street project in the city. A former pipe mill built in 1902 is undergoing a renovation to become a modern tech flex space. The 88,600-square-foot space has a massive brick façade. The AM Group’s rendering shows high ceilings and large windows on all sides. Part of the Triboro Ecodistrict, the new building plans to tackle sustainability in the form of energy usage, air quality and mobility.