LAX: Worker dies after equipment collapse at construction site near Theme Building

Monday, May 11, 2020
Worker dies after equipment collapse at LAX construction site
A worker died after an incident that officials at Los Angeles International Airport described as an "equipment collapse" at a construction site near the Theme Building.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A worker died Saturday morning after an incident that officials at Los Angeles International Airport described as an "equipment collapse" at a construction site near the Theme Building.

On Sunday, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office identified the worker as Juan Barajas, 39, of Bloomington, Calif.

The collapse was reported shortly before 6 a.m. in the 200 block of World Way, prompting a response from Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.

The LAFD confirmed the man died at the scene but referred questions about the matter to LAX.

"Los Angeles World Airports' thoughts and prayers are with the person's family, friends and fellow construction workers during this horrible tragedy," LAX said in a statement.

The collapse happened during construction of the airport's massive Automated People Mover project, which broke ground last year and is expected to be completed in 2023. Construction on the project was shut down for two days while the incident was investigated.

Cal OSHA is also investigating the incident.

Traffic was redirected near the scene. There were no reports of flight delays as a result of the incident.