Building collapses at Bryant; six injured

SIX PEOPLE were injured after an athletic building under construction collapsed at Bryant University Tuesday morning. / COURTESY WJAR-TV NBC 10
SIX PEOPLE were injured after an athletic building under construction collapsed at Bryant University Tuesday morning. / COURTESY WJAR-TV NBC 10

(Updated 1:45 p.m.)
SMITHFIELD – Six people were injured after an athletic building under construction collapsed at Bryant University Tuesday morning.
Bryant President Ronald K. Machtley released a statement to students and staff regarding the incident.

“As you have no doubt already learned a serious construction site accident occurred this morning at the Indoor Practice Facility, located in the back of our campus adjacent to the baseball fields. The steel which was being erected collapsed forward, resulting in at least six injuries and thankfully none appeared to be life threatening.

“No Bryant students or staff were near the site. We are cooperating fully with authorities to investigate this incident, and as more facts become available we will advise. This accident will have no impact on the scheduled opening of our fall term,” he said.

WPRI-Channel 12 said the victims fell approximately 30 feet and were under the structure when rescue teams arrived.

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The university held a press briefing Tuesday morning, where a spokeswoman said the project is one of several under way on campus.
The building was scheduled to be completed in January 2016. Ground was broken in May.

Elizabeth O’Neil, Bryant University’s associate vice president of university relations, said in a message posted on the university’s website that they “are cooperating fully with authorities and will advise as more facts become available to us.”

She said that the incident will have no impact on the opening of school. Students return this weekend and classes begin Sept. 8, she said.

Smithfield Police Capt. Michael C. Rheaume said the call about the accident came in at approximately 8:20 a.m. He said the construction crew was working on the one-story metal frame, trying to level it, when it collapsed. He said the workers were transported to Rhode Island and Our Lady of Fatima hospitals. Rheaume said Occupational Safety and Health Administration workers were on scene.

The project is part of a $75 million capital campaign called “Expanding the World of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future.” It features: the 50,000-square-foot Academic Innovation Center; the Bulldog Strength and Conditioning Center; a 78,000-square-foot indoor practice facility; and enhancements to the Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center, including a sports medicine and training center.

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