Worker Trapped in Roof Collapse at Stoneham Middle School Demolition Site Not Injured

A worker briefly trapped at the demolition site at the Stoneham Middle School freed himself and wasn't injured during the incident Tuesday afternoon, according to project staff.

Around 12:30 p.m. there was a small roof collapse, but the male worker wasn't injured during the incident, according to Stoneham School Building Committee chairwoman Jeanne Craigie. The worker was assessed and was fine, declining transport to a nearby hospital, according to Stoneham Fire Chief Joseph Rolli.

Rolli discussed his team's response to the incident.

"We have three firefighters on detail whenever a building is being demolished and part of the reason is because something like this could happen," Rolli said. "The worker driving the Bobcat was in a hollowed-out part separating metal and concrete and the backhoe working the other part of the building vibrated (the structure) and the roof came in on that section. Fortunately, the roof caved in around him and he walked out of it unscathed, and he's working right now."

A box-level assignment alarm was issued. Two Stoneham fire engines, including Engine 1 and a ladder truck, were called to the scene.

The gate to the project was closed while officials met. Craigie, along with Superintendent Les Olson, could be seen discussing the situation with project managers. Craigie said a press statement will be issued as soon as details related to the incident have been collected.

At 7 a.m. Monday, Essex Newbury North Construction began . Boston-based Shawmut Design and Construction is overseeing the project.