New Construction

Baylor University Construction Accident Injures Two

• By Matt Jones
• 03/03/22

During the construction of Baylor University’s new Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, two workers fell 35 feet after a scaffolding collapse and were taken to the hospital on Wednesday, March 2, in Waco, Texas, according to local authorities.

The Waco Fire Department received a call at 9:26 a.m. that morning reporting a partial structure collapse at the construction site, said Fire Lt. Keith Guillory. Officials reported that the workers were in a scaffold basket when they fell. Firefighters arrived at 9:29 a.m. and were able to reach the injured workers without incident. “It looked like there were metal beams on the ground, and they fell between the metal beams,” said Guillory. “They were actually pretty fortunate.”

Local news reports that the two workers were taken to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center. According to the Baylor student newspaper, witnesses said the two workers sustained “minor injuries.” No other injuries were reported, according to Guillory.

“The accident affects every member of the Baylor community, and our prayers go immediately to the two individuals who were injured, as well as their family, friends and coworkers,” read a statement released by Baylor University. “We are deeply appreciative of the rapid response of Baylor University Police Department, Waco Fire and AMR [American Medical Response]. The university is actively supporting the agencies investigating the circumstances of the accident.”

Local news also reports that Vaughn Construction Project Manager Jon McPeters declined to comment as of Wednesday.