Travis County, TX — One construction worker was killed and another was rescued after a house under construction collapsed during powerful straight-line winds Thursday afternoon, according to Travis County Emergency Services District No. 5.
Emergency crews received the call at approximately 4:20 p.m. after two workers became trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Officials said four workers were at the house when it began to collapse.
Two workers escaped safely. Two others were trapped after the entire structure, including the second floor, came down.
One trapped worker was conscious and breathing but pinned beneath the framework. The other worker sustained fatal injuries.
A rescue operation involving the Austin Fire Department Special Operations team was launched to stabilize and lift the collapsed structure so crews could free the surviving worker.
Officials said the National Weather Service had reported straight-line winds of approximately 50 to 70 mph from the storm. A neighbor told emergency officials that trees were blowing sideways before she heard a loud boom as the house collapsed.
Multiple agencies assisted with the response, including Travis County ESD No. 5, Austin Fire Department, Austin Fire Special Operations, Austin-Travis County EMS, Travis County STAR Flight, Travis County Emergency Services, Austin Emergency Management and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
Travis County ESD No. 5 extended condolences to the family of those involved in the incident.
