Tragic Crane Collapse Claims Two Workers Near Boston Harbor

Everett, near Boston Harbor, October 25, 2025

News Summary

A crane collapse at a redevelopment site near Boston Harbor resulted in the tragic deaths of two workers. The accident occurred in the afternoon, with one victim dying at the scene and another being pronounced dead at a hospital after a complex rescue operation. Both men were subcontractors tasked with dismantling a former fuel terminal as part of the ongoing redevelopment along the Mystic River. Investigations into the incident are underway with multiple agencies involved.

Everett

Two workers died due to a crane collapse at a redevelopment site near Boston Harbor on the Mystic River on Friday. The accident occurred around 2 p.m. on October 24, 2023. One worker died at the scene, while the second was pronounced dead at a hospital. One of the victims had to be extracted from the wreckage of the crane, and both victims were young men working for a subcontractor tasked with dismantling a former fuel terminal.

Immediate details

The site where the incident occurred is part of a larger redevelopment effort along the Mystic River. Aerial imagery showed the crane’s red tower lying flat on its barge and across adjacent docks. The crane was part of operations involving the removal of storage tanks and dismantling offices at the site. All work on the barge where the crane was operating has been suspended following the incident.

Response and investigation

The Everett Fire Department conducted a complex rescue operation and praised first responders for their efforts. The investigation into the accident includes the Massachusetts State Police, Everett Police Department, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and is expected to be involved in the investigation. The specific time of the crane’s collapse is currently unknown and is under investigation.

Company and personnel

Charter Contracting, a company involved in the project, confirmed that the workers were subcontractors and expressed heartbreak over the tragedy. There are currently no reports of any other individuals missing or injured from the site. Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria expressed condolences.

Site background and future plans

The fuel terminal had been operational since 1965 and was previously owned by ExxonMobil. The construction site is located near 201B Rover St. in Everett. The area has plans for significant redevelopment, including 7.2 million square feet of industrial and commercial spaces along the Mystic River. Everett is a community of just shy of 50,000 residents located six miles north of downtown Boston.

What is known and what remains under review

Investigators are continuing onsite work to determine the cause and sequence of the collapse. The presence of a large collapsed crane on a barge and adjacent docks has made the scene complex for recovery and forensic work. Evidence collection, witness interviews, mechanical inspections, and coordination with federal and state safety agencies are ongoing. Officials have stated the event is being treated as a serious industrial accident.

Next steps

Authorities will provide updates as the investigation proceeds. OSHA involvement typically includes inspection of the worksite, review of safety procedures, and documentation of equipment condition and operator training. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will complete examinations to determine cause and confirm identities. Local and state police agencies will issue findings as they become available.

Key facts summary

• Two workers died due to a crane collapse at a redevelopment site near Boston Harbor on the Mystic River on Friday.
• The accident occurred around 2 p.m. on October 24, 2023.
• One worker died at the scene, while the second was pronounced dead at a hospital.
• One of the victims had to be extracted from the wreckage of the crane.
• Both victims were young men working for a subcontractor tasked with dismantling a former fuel terminal.
• The fuel terminal had been operational since 1965 and was previously owned by ExxonMobil.
• Aerial imagery showed the crane’s red tower lying flat on its barge and across adjacent docks.
• The crane was part of operations involving the removal of storage tanks and dismantling offices at the site.
• All work on the barge where the crane was operating has been suspended following the incident.
• The investigation into the accident includes the Massachusetts State Police, Everett Police Department, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and is expected to be involved in the investigation.
• There are currently no reports of any other individuals missing or injured from the site.
• The construction site is located near 201B Rover St. in Everett.
• The area has plans for significant redevelopment, including 7.2 million square feet of industrial and commercial spaces along the Mystic River.

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Additional Resources

• NBC News
• People
• WCVB
• Boston Globe
• Google Search: Boston crane collapse October 2023
• Wikipedia: Cranes

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