Five Hurt, One Critically, When Wall Collapses at Construction Site

One person was critically injured and four others were hurt when a wooden wall at a home under construction in Massachusetts collapsed on them Wednesday morning, authorities said.

The construction workers were trapped in the collapse in Bedford at about 7:30 a. m., according to a statement from town officials.

First responders arrived on the scene to find a bystander administering first aid.

After they were extricated, all five were taken to the hospital, one with what are believed to be life-threatening injuries, authorities said. All five were men but no other information about them was released.

A Bedford firefighter was also treated for injuries at the scene.

The workers were constructing a room above a three-car garage and interim Bedford Fire Chief Paul Sheehan estimated the wall was at least 20 feet (6 meters) long.

The town`s building inspector believes the collapse was due to improper construction techniques.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also responded to the scene to investigate and will make a final determination on the cause, Sheehan said.

Bedford is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Boston.