At least 6 workers injured in Houston scaffolding collapse

HOUSTON -- At least six construction workers were injured Friday morning after a scaffolding collapsed at a seven-story building under construction in downtown Houston.

The accident occurred just after 11 a.m. at a luxury apartment building under construction near Minute Maid Park, home of baseball's Houston Astros.

Houston Fire Department Capt. Ruy Lozano said six workers were pulled from the rubble and transported to area hospitals with non life-threatening but significant injuries.

Lozano said a secondary collapse is not only possible, but highly likely. Onlookers were being moved back due to fears of further collapse.

Witness Julio Zavala said he heard the collapse and ran toward the scene, where he helped pull at least one victim from the twisted metal.

About 200 workers were at the construction site when the collapse occurred and it appears that all have been accounted for, Lozano said. Firefighters were digging through the twisted metal by hand to search for any more possible victims.

The Fingers Company, which owns the building, issued the following statement: "We are monitoring the situation very closely and working alongside authorities as we try to determine the cause of this accident. In the meantime, we are grateful to the first responders on the scene and praying that everyone is OK."

Houston Fire Department units arrived on the scene within three minutes of the report. Residents were being asked to avoid the area to leave space for emergency vehicles.