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HEMPSTEAD, Nassau County, N.Y., Nov. 12, 2026 — A construction worker died, and a second remains missing after scaffolding collapsed on the Loop Parkway Bridge on Wednesday, November 11, according to New York State Police. Six other workers were injured in the same incident.
The collapse happened shortly before noon on the bridge span in Point Lookout, where a construction and repair crew was working beneath the structure. Two workers fell into the water when the scaffolding gave way. One was pulled from the water and taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities have not released his name, pending notification of the next of kin.
A second worker remained unaccounted for as of Wednesday evening, and a large-scale search continued into the night. Six additional workers involved in the collapse did not go into the water but suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The response drew multiple fire department marine units, dive teams, several police agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard. Divers and rescue crews spent hours searching the water around the bridge. The project is reportedly tied to a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation initiative, though officials have not said what caused the scaffolding to fail.
Northbound lanes of the Loop Parkway remained closed as recovery efforts continued, while southbound lanes have reopened. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
More Accident News from Nassau County
This incident happened on Loop Parkway in Hempstead, NY. For other recent accidents near Hempstead, NY, visit our Nassau County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do after witnessing a workplace accident like this?
Call 911 immediately, keep others away from the danger area, and let trained responders handle rescue operations, especially around water or unstable structures.
Where do serious construction accidents like scaffolding failures typically happen?
They commonly occur on active job sites involving elevated work, heavy equipment, or structures over water, where a single point of failure can affect multiple workers at once.
What injuries are common in scaffolding collapse incidents?
Workers can suffer fall-related injuries, broken bones, head trauma, or drowning risk if they land in water. Injuries range from minor to life-threatening depending on the height and conditions of the fall.
