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NJ construction worker in deadly Long Island bridge scaffolding collapse ID’d as brother of Brazilian pol
A scaffolding collapse on the Loop Parkway drawbridge sent two New Jersey construction workers into the icy Reynolds Channel on Wednesday, killing one and leaving the other missing. The accident also injured six workers and prompted a search and a federal workplace safety investigation.
Authorities identified the dead worker as Kleiton de Madeiros, 39, of Montclair, and the missing worker as Diogo de Oliveira, 38, of Elizabeth. De Madeiros’ family and friends in Brazil mourned him; his brother serves as a councilman in Dores do Indaiá. Both men worked for Champion Painting, which holds a $13.8 million contract covering bridge painting and steel repairs at four sites. The work is due to finish by the end of 2027.
In short
- One worker died and another remains missing after scaffolding collapsed.
- Six other workers were injured in the accident.
- OSHA is investigating the collapse.
Explained simply
The Loop Parkway drawbridge crosses Reynolds Channel in Nassau County, Long Island. It is one of four bridges where Champion Painting is carrying out painting and steel repair work under a $13.8 million contract scheduled to run until the end of 2027.
Kleiton de Madeiros and Diogo de Oliveira were New Jersey construction workers employed by Champion Painting. De Madeiros, who was 39 and lived in Montclair, was the brother of a councilman in Dores do Indaiá, a town in Brazil.
Bridge work often involves crews operating on scaffolding above water. A collapse can put workers at risk of falls and drowning, and workplace safety investigators examine how such accidents happen and whether safety rules were followed.