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Surveillance Video Shows Steel Columns Falling On Construction Workers At Boston University

BOSTON (CBS) — Newly released surveillance video shows the moment steel columns fell like dominoes at a Boston University construction site, taking two workers down with them.

If you look closely, you can see two construction workers up on the beams, then, they hold on briefly as they are knocked to the ground as the columns fall.

The construction site is set to become a Boston University Data Science Center with a unique architectural design.

"There was a lot of commotion," witness Frederick George told WBZ. He works at the building next-door and was at work when the accident happened. "The police kept people back and everything, and there was just a lot of concern."

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Steel columns topple at Boston University construction site (WBZ-TV)

The two injured construction workers, who were subcontractors, were taken to the hospital but released the same day with only minor injuries.

Suffolk Construction, the management firm on the project, said, "The safety of our people and trade partners is our number one priority and we are committed to delivering the highest levels of safety to ensure our workers return home safely to their families at the end of every work day."

OSHA was called to the scene and is now investigating the accident. OSHA tells WBZ it is investigating both the steel company and construction companies involved to see if there were any workplace safety violations that may have contributed to the accident. The investigation could take up to six months.

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