Everett, Massachusetts, October 27, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident occurred at a construction site in Everett, Massachusetts, where two workers lost their lives due to a crane collapse. The crane was operating from a barge when it fell, leading to an immediate emergency response. The victims have been identified as local workers affiliated with a subcontractor. As investigations begin, authorities are exploring potential causes for the collapse, including concerns over cable integrity and prolonged exposure to saltwater. The company managing the site expressed devastation over the event and has paused work while safety reviews are conducted.
Everett — Two workers were killed on Friday after a crane collapsed at an industrial job site in Everett, Massachusetts.
What happened
The incident occurred at a construction site near 201 Rover St., located on the Mystic River. The crane was operating from a barge at the time it collapsed, according to the Everett Fire Department. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Everett Police Chief Paul Strong confirmed the fatalities in a joint statement.
Victims and personnel involved
One of the victims has been identified as Larriston Lake, a father of four. The other victim was identified as Paul Ledwell Jr., aged 37, whose sister described him as a gentle soul. Charter Contracting of Boston, the company managing the job site, confirmed the victims were employees of a subcontractor.
Emergency response and rescue efforts
Emergency responders were praised for their efforts in reaching the victims and performing complex technical rescues. Work on the barge has been paused following the accident. Robert Delhome, CEO of Charter Contracting, expressed devastation over the accident and is coordinating with public safety officials.
Ongoing investigations
The crane collapse is currently under investigation by Massachusetts State Police, Everett police, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Coast Guard is also leading part of the investigation into the circumstances leading to the crane’s collapse. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified about the incident. Initial reports suggest a snapped cable may have caused the collapse; however, investigations are ongoing.
Potential contributing factors
Mayor DeMaria mentioned that the crane could have been in saltwater for an extended period, potentially affecting the cables. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the crane’s red tower was seen toppled across the barge and adjacent docks. The site was formerly owned by ExxonMobil and is undergoing redevelopment, including the dismantling of existing structures.
Local reaction and next steps
Mayor Carlo DeMaria expressed deep sadness and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident. The Pile Drivers and Divers Local 56 union, representing the workers, expressed grief over the loss on their Facebook page, emphasizing the importance of safety for their members. The city and involved agencies remain focused on completing a coordinated, multiagency review of the collapse and on ensuring safety at the site while the investigation proceeds.
Context
Everett is a city of approximately 50,000 people located about 6 miles north of downtown Boston. The construction site on the Mystic River has been the subject of redevelopment activity in recent months, including dismantling and waterfront work that involved marine-based equipment and barges.
FAQ
Q: What happened?
A: Two workers were killed on Friday after a crane collapsed at an industrial job site in Everett, Massachusetts.
Q: Where did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred at a construction site near 201 Rover St., located on the Mystic River.
Q: How was the crane operating when it collapsed?
A: The crane was operating from a barge at the time it collapsed, according to the Everett Fire Department.
Q: Who confirmed the fatalities?
A: The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Everett Police Chief Paul Strong confirmed the fatalities in a joint statement.
Q: Who were the victims?
A: One of the victims has been identified as Larriston Lake, a father of four. The other victim was identified as Paul Ledwell Jr., aged 37, whose sister described him as a gentle soul.
Q: What actions have city and company leaders taken?
A: Mayor Carlo DeMaria expressed deep sadness and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident. Robert Delhome, CEO of Charter Contracting, expressed devastation over the accident and is coordinating with public safety officials.
Q: Which agencies are investigating?
A: The crane collapse is currently under investigation by Massachusetts State Police, Everett police, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Coast Guard is also leading part of the investigation into the circumstances leading to the crane’s collapse. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified about the incident.
Q: What might have caused the collapse?
A: Initial reports suggest a snapped cable may have caused the collapse; however, investigations are ongoing.
Q: What is the status of work at the site?
A: Work on the barge has been paused following the accident.
Q: What else is known about the site?
A: The site was formerly owned by ExxonMobil and is undergoing redevelopment, including the dismantling of existing structures.
Q: Were emergency teams able to reach the victims?
A: Emergency responders were praised for their efforts in reaching the victims and performing complex technical rescues.
Q: Did witnesses describe the scene?
A: Eyewitness accounts indicated that the crane’s red tower was seen toppled across the barge and adjacent docks.
Q: Has the union commented?
A: The Pile Drivers and Divers Local 56 union, representing the workers, expressed grief over the loss on their Facebook page, emphasizing the importance of safety for their members.
Q: What is the population and location of Everett?
A: The city of Everett has a population of approximately 50,000, located 6 miles north of downtown Boston.
Quick reference
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Crane collapse at industrial job site |
| Casualties | Two workers were killed on Friday after a crane collapsed at an industrial job site in Everett, Massachusetts. |
| Location | Construction site near 201 Rover St., located on the Mystic River |
| How crane was operating | The crane was operating from a barge at the time it collapsed, according to the Everett Fire Department. |
| Investigating agencies | Massachusetts State Police; Everett police; Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; Coast Guard; OSHA notified |
| Site owner / redevelopment | The site was formerly owned by ExxonMobil and is undergoing redevelopment, including the dismantling of existing structures. |
| Work status | Work on the barge has been paused following the accident. |
| Identified victims | One of the victims has been identified as Larriston Lake, a father of four. The other victim was identified as Paul Ledwell Jr., aged 37. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Crane Collapse in Everett, Massachusetts Kills Two Workers
Tragic Crane Collapse Claims Two Workers Near Boston Harbor
Additional Resources
- Boston.com
- Wikipedia: Crane accidents
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: Crane collapse Everett
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- MassLive
- Google News: Everett MA crane collapse
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