Manhattan, NY (October 25, 2025) – A tragic construction accident at Hudson Yards on Thursday morning claimed the life of 52-year-old Jorge Sanchez after he fell approximately 50 feet into a hole at a construction site on W. 30th St. The fatal crash occurred just before 9 a.m. at 605 W. 30th St., where Sanchez was working on the Gateway Tunnel project.
Emergency responders responded quickly, rescuing Sanchez from the construction shaft and transporting him to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite their efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed he was on the ground floor when he fell into an open shaft about five stories underground.
Sanchez was employed by the New York Concrete Corporation and was on the city's construction staff for decades. The NYC District Council of Carpenters identified him Friday, noting that he immigrated from Honduras in the 1990s and was just three years away from retirement. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
All work on the project has been suspended pending a full investigation. OSHA and city officials are expected to review the site's safety protocols and determine whether any violations have occurred.
We extend our deepest condolences to Jorge Sanchez's family, friends and colleagues at this heartbreaking time.
Construction accidents in New York
Incidents like the one that killed Jorge Sanchez at Hudson Yards shine a light on the ongoing safety issues facing construction workers across New York City. Falls from heights remain one of the main causes of fatal accidents in the construction industry. In dense urban environments like Manhattan, these risks are compounded by the complexity of vertical construction, active excavation zones, and tight deadline pressures.
Employers are required by law to implement fall protection systems, provide safety training, and comply with OSHA standards to reduce these deadly risks. But even when regulations are in place, gaps in enforcement, rushed schedules, or failures in oversight can still lead to avoidable tragedies. The loss of a veteran worker like Sanchez – who is nearing retirement – is a sobering reminder of the high cost of workplace safety deficiencies.
Family members affected by fatal construction accidents often face not only emotional loss, but also financial uncertainty and legal issues. Local Accident Reports is committed to helping families understand their rights and access resources that support both healing and accountability.
If someone you love was killed or seriously injured at work, you don't have to deal with it alone. Contact local incident reports for help navigating next steps carefully, clearly and supportively.