Merritt Island, Fla. — Two people died Wednesday after a massive crane collapsed at a construction site for the new Central Florida Hospital, officials said.
The collapse occurred on the site of the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, on the Atlantic coast, about 60 miles east of Orlando.
The two were taken to a nearby hospital and later died, said Todd Goodyear, a spokesman for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities did not immediately identify the victim.
The area was hit by rain and strong winds Wednesday afternoon, but the exact cause of the collapse was under investigation.
The Cape Canaveral Hospital began construction last year and is scheduled to open to the public in 2027. It will replace the existing Cape Canaveral Hospital in nearby Cocoa Beach.
The hospital is run by Health First, a Brevard County nonprofit community health system. Spokesman Lance Skelly said the site is safe and is currently under active investigation.
The project contractor is Gilbane Building Co. They did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.
