(09/14/07) NEW YORK (AP) - A construction worker fell to his death from the Verrazano Bridge this afternoon, apparently as a result of a workplace accident.
A spokesman for the New York City Fire Department says theworker fell off the Verrazano Bridge, which links Brooklyn toStaten Island, at 1:38 p.m.
The victim was described as a 48-year-old Manhattan residentemployed by a Queens contractor. His name was withheld so hisfamily could be told first.
Firefighter Jim Long says the worker was on a wooden catwalk,suspended off of the lower level of the span, when a concretejersey barrier fell and struck the catwalk, causing the worker tofall.
The worker plunged about 15 stories to his death. Long said thejersey barrier "is still hanging in a precarious situation."
The accident closed the lower level of the Verrazano Bridge totraffic for several hours. It was re-opened for the evening rushhour.