Jorge Esteban Rojas Rodríguez, a 29-year-old Cuban, tragically lost his life on Monday when a concrete wall collapsed on him at a construction site in Miami where he was employed.
The unfortunate event occurred around 11 a.m. at a home under renovation located at 2907 SW 22nd Avenue in Coconut Grove, as reported by Miami Police. Later that afternoon, they released the identity of the victim.
Aerial footage broadcasted by several television stations illustrated the construction site where the collapse happened, showing Rojas's body still covered with a yellow tarp.
The videos also showed the heart-wrenching moment when the young Cuban's wife and family members arrived at the scene, visibly devastated by the tragedy.
"We received a call from a worker at a house under construction, where a wall fell on one of the workers," Mike Vega, spokesperson for the Miami Police, told Telemundo 51. "Unfortunately, despite efforts to remove all the bricks and the wall from on top of him, his life could not be saved."
Vega identified the victim, noting that Rojas would have celebrated his 30th birthday on the upcoming Monday, November 24.
"It's a tragic event, and we are investigating the case. It appears to be a horrific accident that claimed this man's life," he expressed with regret.
Originally from Holguín, Rojas had arrived in the United States in February 2024.
Residents of Coconut Grove reported hearing a loud noise shortly before 11 a.m. and approached the property.
"I heard a scream, but it was very peculiar. Apparently, the young man was working on the wall, and it fell on him, killing him," said a neighbor named Joe Olozaga.
He added that the house was undergoing reconstruction. "To preserve it, you need to keep about 50% of the original walls. When it's a house like this, you must reinforce the walls, and perhaps it was during this process that the wall fell on him, poor guy," he explained.
According to Telemundo 51, the construction work seemed to have started less than a month ago.
Additionally, an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) representative arrived at the site to speak with the workers. For safety reasons, the house was closed while the investigation continues.
Univision 23 revealed that the company responsible for the construction where the fatal accident occurred is J&M Primos Construction.
Authorities are probing what could have caused the collapse that claimed the life of the young Cuban worker.
Details on the Miami Construction Incident
What caused the wall to collapse in Miami?
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the collapse, which resulted in the tragic death of Jorge Esteban Rojas Rodríguez. Factors such as construction practices and wall reinforcement are being examined.
Who was responsible for the construction site where the accident occurred?
The construction was managed by J&M Primos Construction, as revealed by Univision 23. The company is being investigated as part of the ongoing inquiry into the accident.
What actions have been taken following the accident?
Following the accident, the house was closed for safety reasons, and an OSHA representative visited the site to assess the situation and speak with workers as part of the investigation process.