A construction worker has died following a building collapse during renovation work at Balcombe Drive Primary and Junior High School in Kingston, Jamaica.
Shine Johnson, a 45-year-old man from Gordon Town, St. Andrew, was killed while carrying out reinforcement work on structural columns beneath a concrete walkway connecting school buildings.
According to police reports, Johnson was operating an electric jackhammer as part of demolition work when the structure suddenly gave way and collapsed on him. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but he was pronounced dead as a result of the incident.
Another worker who was also involved in the construction was seriously injured during the collapse and was transported to Kingston Public Hospital for urgent medical treatment. His current condition has not been publicly updated.
The construction work was reportedly being carried out in preparation for the upcoming school term, with repairs focused on strengthening structural supports under the walkway area between buildings.
Authorities have not yet released further details on what caused the collapse, and investigations are expected to examine safety procedures and the structural integrity of the site during the renovation work.
The incident has raised concern about construction safety standards on public infrastructure projects, particularly those involving school facilities.
Further updates are expected as officials continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collapse.
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