A tragic incident occurred at a demolition site in Osaka, Japan, where a worker lost his life after being crushed by a counterweight that came loose from a lift system. The accident took place this morning at the former Sharp Sakai Plant, where emergency responders were alerted to the situation. Initially reported as an elevator falling on the worker, it was later discovered that the counterweight, weighing around 10 tonnes, was the cause of the fatal injury.
The victim, a 62-year-old contractor hired for the demolition work, was found trapped under the counterweight and succumbed to his injuries before rescue personnel could assist him. The plant, once a production facility for LCD panels, is now undergoing demolition for redevelopment purposes.
Authorities are investigating the incident, suspecting that the chain connecting the lift car to the counterweight may have failed, leading to the tragic outcome. The exact reason for the counterweight detachment remains unknown as officials delve into the details of the accident.