3 Workers Injured in Porch Collapse

Three workers were injured Wednesday morning when a third-floor porch collapsed in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at 234 Phillips Avenue. New Bedford fire officials say the workers were sawing on a beam when it tumbled down, shaking the entire building. The three workers fell 25 feet to the ground.

Two of the workers were seriously injured and transported to Rhode Island Hospital with trauma-related injuries, according to Fire Chief Michael Gomes. He adds that one of the workers has a head injury. A third worker was transported to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

For resident Craig Sequeira, the porch collapse happened when he usually checks his mail. He owes a cup of coffee to keeping him safe. Craig along with the other tenants were not hurt in the collapse.

District Fire Chief James Clark says he's grateful he and his crew were right across the street training. Their quick action could have saved the workers lives.

New Bedford officials say the workers did have a permit for construction. The building didn't have any code violations.

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