Construction worker Paulo Couto, 54, was tragically killed on Monday at a site in Queens when a piece of equipment fell and struck him in the head. The incident occurred while Couto was working on an underground water sewage system near 31st Street and 34th Avenue in Astoria at around 10:20 a.m. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. NYPD officials stated that Couto was employed by a private company, but did not specify which one. Details surrounding the type of equipment that fell and the circumstances of the incident remain unclear.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an investigation to determine the exact cause of Couto’s death while the NYPD continues their own investigation. Couto was reported to be a resident of Howell, New Jersey. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers that construction workers face in their line of work.
This story is still developing, and further information may be released as the investigation progresses. The loss of Paulo Couto has undoubtedly had a significant impact on his family, colleagues, and the construction industry as a whole. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating incident.
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Photo credit gothamist.com
