Work on renovation of the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium went awry this past weekend when two workers were trapped by falling beams.
According to Alabama.com, Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue responded to the stadium at 5 p.m. to the report of an accident at the 90-year-old stadium, which is in the midst of the first phase of a $92.5 million renovation that began back in November.
The accident involved two beams that fell and struck a lift that was being operated by two men. Both workers were trapped and had to be extricated and taken to the hospital.
Fire spokeswoman Holly Whigham said both men sustained serious injuries.
"A workplace accident has occurred at Bryant-Denny Stadium. We understand two workers with a subcontractor were transported to the hospital by emergency responders," said Monica Watts, the University of Alabama's associate vice president for communications in a statement released Saturday night. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.”
The university said that Wallace Wade Avenue and 8th Street at 11th Avenue were temporarily closed as a precaution.
When completed, the additions to the stadium will include high-end club seats and suites on the west end, student social spaces on the south end, and four larger video boards to replace the existing ones in each of the corners. A new tunnel will also bore through the north end zone steps leading directly into the Alabama locker room as part of a new Walk of Champions experience.
