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1 killed after beam collapses from old People Mover near IU Health Methodist Hospital

Crews on scene of collapsed beam near IU Methodist – News 8 Weekend Daybreak at 7 a.m.

Latest: The Marion County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who died as 38-year-old Luis Orozco Gonzalez.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police say a male construction worker is dead after an industrial accident happened near IU Health Methodist Hospital early Saturday morning.

The name or age of the male has not been released yet.

Officer Samone Burris with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says that just before 5 a.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to the intersection of West 16th Street and North Senate Avenue on a report of an industrial accident.

Police say that at least one male has died. Investigators have not shared if anyone else was injured in the incident.

News 8 had a crew at the scene, who said it appeared that a beam had fallen from the old IU Health People Mover tram into the street. The People Mover closed in 2019 after 16 years of operation.

Officials with IU Health said this in a statement.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of this valued construction worker. We extend our condolences to the family and coworkers during this difficult time. 

A portion of the former people mover track collapsed while being removed this morning over 16th Street. What led to the collapse is being investigated. The section of 16th Street between Missouri Street and Senate Ave will remain closed during this investigation. 

Indiana University Health

IMPD says that officers are working to make sure the work zone surrounding the area is safe to work in and the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted.

Officers have fenced off the scene during their investigation.