The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, standing tall at 1,454 feet. Since its construction in 1931, the New York City landmark has been a symbol of progress and innovation, but it has also been the site of tragedy.
As of the year 2021, six people have fallen from the Empire State Building, though it is likely that more have occurred since its construction. In the most recent death, a man jumped from the 86th floor of the building on January 18th, 2021. In the five other deaths, three were suicides, one was an accident, and one was due to a medical emergency.
The first reported death from falling off the Empire State Building occurred in 1932. A worker accidentally fell to his death from the 86th floor while working on the building’s lighting system. The second death occurred four years later in 1936 when a 32 year old man jumped from the 86th floor in an apparent suicide. The third incident occurred in 1947 when another man jumped from the 86th floor. The fourth occurred in 2012 when a man in his sixties jumped from the 86th floor. The fifth death occurred in 2015 when a 50 year old man in medical distress fell from the 86th floor. The sixth and most recent death occurred in 2021.
In the six recorded deaths, it is unclear how many were workers of the Empire State Building. The only two workers mentioned were in the first death in 1932 and the fifth death in 2015. It is possible that additional workers have died due to falls, but this has not been confirmed.
In addition to the deaths, there have been many cases of people attempting to jump off the Empire State Building. These people are typically apprehended by the police before they can actually jump. It is estimated that there are approximately 10-15 attempts every year, though the exact figure is unknown.
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic structures in the world. While it is a symbol of progress and innovation, it is also a reminder of the tragedies that can occur when safety is not taken into consideration. Though six people have died from falling off the building, it is likely that many more have been injured or killed in accidents while working on the building.
The Unfortunate Death of Five Workers in the Empire State Building Construction
On the morning of July 28, 1930, five workers were tragically killed in the construction of the Empire State Building. The workers were atop the eighth floor of the building when a large section of scaffolding fell apart, sending them plunging to their deaths. It was an incident that shook the nation, not only for the loss of life but also for the significance of the site where it occurred – the Empire State Building, a symbol of American power and progress.
The cause of the accident was unclear at first, but eventually it was determined that the scaffolding was improperly set up, which caused it to collapse. This was a tragedy that could have been avoided, had the workers been given the proper training and safety equipment. While this is a sad reminder of the dangers of construction work, it is also a testament to the importance of taking the necessary precautions on the job.
The five workers who were killed were: Stephen McHugh, John Breslin, John Condon, Michael Burke, and Thomas Brady. All of them were Irish immigrants who had come to New York in search of a better life. Their deaths were mourned by their families and the Irish-American community in New York, and each of their names is inscribed on a plaque at the Empire State Building, in memory of their sacrifice.
Since then, construction safety has greatly improved in the US, and the number of fatalities has decreased significantly. This is in part due to the efforts of organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which has implemented regulations and standards that all employers must follow in order to ensure the safety of their workers.
The tragic deaths of these five workers serve as a reminder that workplace safety must always be taken seriously, no matter what the job. Without the proper training and safety equipment, even a seemingly mundane job can turn into a disaster.
A Look Back on How Five Lives Were Lost at the Empire State Building
It’s been over eight decades since the infamous tragedy at the Empire State Building. On July 28, 1945, five workers were killed while completing repairs on the iconic building. The original plans for the building, designed by William F. Lamb of Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, included an observatory deck on the 86th floor. However, due to budget constraints, the plans were changed and the top two floors were to be used for offices.
Due to the changes in plans, the 86th floor was not adequately reinforced. This led to the tragedy on July 28th, when five workers fell to their deaths while performing repairs on the building. The first death occurred when a welding rod accidentally touched a loose wire, sending an electric current through a scaffolding beam, which caused it to break. The second death was caused by a falling scaffolding beam. The other three workers were killed when the scaffolding they were standing on gave way.
The five workers who died during this tragedy were Robert Thomas, Charles F. Brown, Henry D. Stromberg, Rudolf A. Anderson, and John L. O’Connor. Robert Thomas and Charles F. Brown were welders. Henry D. Stromberg was a fireman. Rudolf A. Anderson was a carpenter, and John L. O’Connor was a member of the Marine Corps. All five men were part of a team of workers who had been hired to complete repairs on the 86th floor.
The tragedy at the Empire State Building is a reminder of the risks that workers take every day. Working at height comes with serious risks, and it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers. Employers should always provide proper safety equipment, as well as proper scaffolding, in order to minimize the risk of accidents.
| Name | Job |
|---|---|
| Robert Thomas | Welder |
| Charles F. Brown | Welder |
| Henry D. Stromberg | Fireman |
| Rudolf A. Anderson | Carpenter |
| John L. O’Connor | Member of the Marine Corps |
The five workers who lost their lives in this tragedy deserve to be remembered and honored. Their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the risks that workers take every day, and the importance of taking safety measures to ensure that accidents like this do not happen again.
The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Five workers fell to their deaths during the building’s construction.
The workers fell from the Empire State Building in the 1930s while it was under construction.
The workers fell due to inadequate safety equipment and protocols.
The deaths caused the construction of the Empire State Building to slow down and become more heavily regulated.
Safety measures have been significantly improved since the 1930s with the inclusion of guardrails, safety harnesses, and guard towers.
Yes, the deaths of the workers were investigated and the investigation revealed the need for improved safety measures.
Yes, there have been several other deaths at the Empire State Building, but none involving workers.
The Empire State Building is 443 meters (1,454 feet) tall.
The Empire State Building has 102 floors.