Brisbane wall collapse: Construction worker dies

Table of Contents

• Emergency teams respond after retaining wall collapse at West End
• How the rescue unfolded
• Neighbours, safety and the investigation
• Tools and techniques used at the scene
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Emergency teams respond after retaining wall collapse at West End

The Brisbane wall collapse at a construction site on Boundary Street, West End, has left one worker dead and another seriously injured. Emergency services were called after a pre-existing concrete retaining wall gave way, trapping two men and setting off an extended rescue and investigation.

Police, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) arrived at the site shortly before 9:00am. A 45-year-old man was declared deceased at the scene and a 19-year-old was trapped under concrete for about an hour and 15 minutes before emergency crews freed him and transported him to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

There were eight workers on site when the wall collapsed. Colleagues and attending police officers first removed concrete pressing on the younger man’s chest, restoring his airway and likely saving his life. After that initial action he was left in place because the entrapment was complex and required specialist extraction.

How the rescue unfolded

Emergency teams prioritised safety and worked slowly and methodically to extricate the trapped worker. QFRS used techniques and equipment commonly deployed in disaster zones to stabilise the area above the rescue zone and prevent further collapse.

Rescue crews employed laser monitoring to track any movement in the surrounding structure, lifting bags to create space beneath heavy concrete, and breaching tools to cut and remove large sections. Large sheets of plywood were used to cover open trenches and shore up unstable ground so personnel could operate safely.

Once the casualty was freed, he was placed in a basket carrier by QFRS and handed to QAS. Ambulance clinicians stabilised him on site and monitored for complications such as shock or crush-related injuries before transporting him to hospital.

Neighbours, safety and the investigation

The retaining wall separated the work site at number 65 from a neighbouring double-storey wooden complex at number 63. Occupants of the neighbouring property left of their own accord while an engineer is called to assess structural integrity and determine when it is safe to return.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is the lead investigator into the collapse. The Queensland Police Service is supporting the probe and preparing materials for the coroner. Authorities have confirmed the two victims were known to each other and are believed to be related, but have not released further personal details while relatives are being notified.

What emergency crews said

Officials praised the quick thinking and cooperation of workmates and police who first cleared the younger man’s airway. Rescue teams emphasised that careful, controlled extrication is crucial where heavy concrete and crush injuries are involved to avoid further harm to the trapped person.

Condolences have been offered to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The tragic timing close to Christmas has been noted by responders as particularly distressing for those involved.

Tools and techniques used at the scene

• Laser monitoring to detect structural movement above the rescue zone.
• Lifting bags to incrementally raise concrete slabs and create a safe working gap.
• Breaching and cutting tools to remove reinforced concrete sections and free the casualty.
• Plywood shoring to cover trenches and provide safe egress routes for emergency workers.
• Basket carrier for secure patient removal and transfer to ambulance clinicians.

Key takeaways

• One worker (45) died at the scene; a 19-year-old survived and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
• Immediate action by workmates and police in clearing concrete likely saved the younger worker’s life.
• Specialist rescue techniques and equipment were used to stabilise the site and safely extricate the casualty.
• Workplace Health and Safety Queensland leads the investigation, with police support and a coroner referral expected.

FAQs

Who were the victims and has their relationship been confirmed?

Authorities have said the two men were known to each other and are believed to be related, but they have not released further personal details while relatives are being notified.

What caused the collapse?

The retaining wall was a pre-existing concrete structure separating two properties. The exact cause of the collapse is under investigation by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

Were neighbouring properties evacuated?

Occupants of the neighbouring property left of their own accord while an engineer inspects the retaining wall. Police advised them, but no emergency declaration was made.

Who is investigating the incident?

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is the lead investigator. The Queensland Police Service is supporting the inquiry and will prepare documentation for the coroner.

How was the injured worker rescued?

Colleagues and attending police first removed concrete that was compressing his chest, restoring his airway. QFRS then stabilised the scene using monitoring equipment and shoring, used lifting bags and breaching tools to free him, placed him in a basket carrier, and handed him to QAS for stabilisation and transport to hospital.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Construction worker dies in Brisbane wall collapse | 7NEWS