VETERANS GLASS CITY SKYWAY BRIDGE UPDATE

(TOLEDO) An accident claimed the life of a construction worker Thursday morning on the job site of the Veterans Glass City Skyway Bridge.

Andrew Burris, 36, a carpenter from Curtice, Ohio, was a member of Local 1138 and the Northwest Carpenters Union.

At approximately 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Mr. Burris was on a work platform installing forms used to pour the bridges concrete bridge railing. The platform collapsed and fell to the ground just south of the westbound Summit Street overpass on the north side of the river.

Local authorities and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are working on their initial review. Further details on the cause of the accident are still under review. ODOT is working in cooperation with them to complete the review as quickly and accurately as possible. ODOT will release any details the department receives as it receives them.

On behalf of Director Beasley and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Andrew Burris, said Dave Dysard, ODOT District 2 deputy director. We also extend our condolences to his relatives, friends and his fellow workers who have made us proud through their commitment and dedication to their work. Andrew was a part of the team that took the pylon to the top back in 2005. For four-and-a-half years, he was an integral part of the team that worked to complete this vital link for our community.