A fire broke out on the ninth floor of a new tower being constructed above South Station in Boston on Tuesday. The tower, located at 700 Atlantic Ave., is currently being overseen by Suffolk, a construction company. In response to the incident, Suffolk announced a “safety standdown for all workers” and voluntarily shut down the job site until a comprehensive safety audit can be completed.
Suffolk expressed their commitment to prioritizing safety and stated that they will be reviewing the safety plans and procedures of every subcontractor involved in the project. They will also require union leaders and subcontractors to walk the jobsite with a Suffolk representative and reconfirm their commitment to following safety protocols.
Boston Fire Department responded to the fire, reporting that it involved construction materials and that there were no injuries. However, this is not the first incident to impact construction at the site. In March, a falling steel beam smashed two windows but did not cause any injuries.
The cause of the recent fire is still under investigation. Suffolk has called for a meeting with union, subcontractor, and company leadership to reinforce the importance of safety. They aim to ensure that all trades involved in the project adhere to strict safety protocols.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks associated with large-scale construction projects. Safety precautions and protocols are crucial to prevent accidents and protect the well-being of workers and the public. Suffolk’s decision to halt construction and conduct a thorough safety audit demonstrates their commitment to addressing these concerns.
As of now, the fire remains a developing story, and further updates are expected. Stay tuned to 7NEWS for the latest information on this incident.
