(Updated at 11:30 a.m.) Two workers were hurt after a construction accident at an Arlington elementary school.
It happened around 10:30 a.m. at Key Elementary School, in the former Arlington Traditional School building at 855 N. Edison Street. Firefighters and police are on scene.
Initial reports suggest part of a wall collapsed and the workers were struck by falling cinder blocks. Both are being rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
“It is related to the construction of the new kitchen,” APS spokesman Frank Bellavia said of the accident. “Two workers were injured… No students were near the site as it is only accessible by construction workers.”
Workplace safety officials are being requested to the scene to investigate the incident.
A portion of N. George Mason Drive in front of the school may be at least partially blocked by the emergency activity.
ACPD and @ArlingtonVaFD are on scene of construction accident in the 800 block of N. Edison St. Two patients have been transported to an area hospital with injuries that are considered serious but non-life threatning. Expect continued public safety activity in the area.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) October 21, 2021
The principal of the school sent the following message to families this morning.
Dear Escuela Key Staff and Families,
I am writing to notify you about a construction accident which occurred in the area under renovation in the kitchen at Escuela Key this morning. No students were involved or near the site. The area where the construction is occurring is in the kitchen, which is sealed off and separate from students at all times. Two workers were injured and have been taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. I wanted you to be aware due to the increased police and fire department activity at the school this morning.
Thank you,
Marleny Perdomo
Principal