ODA confirms death which is the first fatality on the Olympics project

The London Olympics construction project had its first on-site death yesterday when a 65-year-old tower crane operator fell down a stairwell in the Athletes Village.

An eyewitness reported seeing the victim slip and fall 30ft while climbing down the ladder in stormy conditions.

The body of the man was found slumped in the stairwell at the foot of the crane and he was pronounced dead at the scene.  

A statement from the Olympic Delivery Authority said: “This incident is still being investigated.”

“At this early stage it cannot be confirmed as to whether this incident was due to a medical condition or was accident-related.

“The sympathies of everyone at the ODA and its contractors are with this individual’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Earlier this month the ODA reported that after three million working hours – with more than 12,000 labourers on site – there had been no serious injuries.

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