Watch CBS News

Construction Worker Hurt In Port Tunnel Accident

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A construction worker taking part in the construction of the Miami Port Tunnel was lifted from the tunnel by crane Tuesday, then taken to the hospital for treatment after a compressed air cylinder apparently burst inside the tunnel.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said one person was hurt when the cylinder exploded for reasons not yet known. The cap from the cylinder apparently struck the person, causing undetermined injuries.

The worker, whose name was not immediately available, was taken to the entrance of the tunnel and lifted by crane to the surface, where an ambulance awaited.

The worker was then taken for examination to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

The operation took place in full view of evening commuters on the MacArthur Causeway, which is the start point for the Tunnel project.

Currently the first of twpo tubes is being bored under Government Cut by a specially built boring machine. After completing the first tunnel, the machine will be sent back under the channel bottom to create the second tube.

Completion of the project is about 2 years away.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.