Crane collapse in Merritt Island: 2 workers killed, sheriff's office says

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. - Two workers have died after a crane collapse at a construction site on Merritt Island in Florida, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office confirmed to FOX 35.

What we know:

Two construction workers were killed Tuesday afternoon after a crane collapsed at the construction site of the future Health First Cape Canaveral Hospital in Merritt Island, Florida, on Borman Dr.

Officials said the workers were pouring a concrete column when the crane collapsed on top of them. 

The two workers killed were later identified as 34-year-old Isael Martinez of Haines City and 57-year-old Hector Pozos of Kissimmee. 

Martinez was an employee of Baker Concrete, and Pozos was a day laborer who was also working for Baker Concrete.

The collapse occurred around 2 p.m., during severe weather that brought high winds through the area. Emergency crews from Brevard County Fire Rescue and the sheriff’s office responded swiftly and remained at the scene into the evening. The site was secured, and an investigation is underway.

What we don't know:

It has not been confirmed whether the bodies of the two men killed remained at the scene during early rescue operations. 

Authorities have not determined the exact cause of the crane collapse, and it is still unclear whether the storm’s high winds alone were to blame or if structural or operational failures played a role. 

The backstory:

The four-story hospital under construction is part of a Health First project, with Gilbane Construction Company serving as the primary contractor. 

Health First clarified that none of its employees were working on-site at the time of the incident. The company and Gilbane are reportedly cooperating fully with authorities. 

Fatal crane accidents, while rare, are often complex incidents that require thorough investigation by both local officials and federal workplace safety regulators.

What they're saying:

A nearby resident, identified only as Trisha, recalled the violence of the storm.

"I heard a lot of noise on my balcony… all the furniture flying everywhere... it was like a tornado or a microburst," she said.

Gilbane Construction Company released the following statement: 

"Earlier today, two trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by another trade contractor, were fatally injured as a result of an incident involving a crane. We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and co-workers. The site is secure and work is currently suspended. We are supporting our trade contractors and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident."

In a statement, Health First said:

"There was a serious weather-related incident at the Cape Canaveral Hospital construction site involving a crane. No Health First associates were on site at the time, and all are safe. Authorities have confirmed that there were two fatalities on the site as a result of this incident. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and all those affected. The site is secure and is currently under an active investigation. We are monitoring the situation closely with local authorities and Gilbane, the construction management company on the project, as they continue their investigation. We understand this is deeply concerning, and we will share additional information as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this serious incident together."

Merritt Island weather

Dig deeper:

Showers and thunderstorms have been moving through Central Florida, including Brevard County, on Wednesday. FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar recorded strong wind gusts between 50-60 mph. At least one site in the area reported a wind gust of 53 mph.

To be clear, officials have not released a cause for why the crash collapsed.

What's next:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is expected to investigate but has not yet issued a public statement.

Brevard County