Seven workers die in rig construction yard in Mexico

Seven workers constructing an offshore rig in Mexico died Wednesday when an elevator fell down in a yard in the state of Veracruz.

According to the Mexican media, the “cage” carrying the workers fell from the height of 30 meters leaving five of them dead on the spot.

Three workers were transferred to the hospital, where two of them subsequently died, while the third remains in serious condition.

The Mexican media say that the accident happened in the Pueblo Viejo municipality, in a privately owned yard dedicated to constructing offshore oil rigs for the state-owned oil giant Pemex.

According to La Jornada, the yard is owned by ICA Fluor. La Jornada reported that not all the workers were in the elevator at the time of the accident. Reportedly, three welders were using the 500 kg basket when it fell and struck a group of workers standing below.

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