Overview

• On June 5, a tower crane collapsed during heavy winds and rain at the Merritt Island hospital project, seriously injuring two trade contract workers who later died at a nearby medical center.
• Both victims were employed as contract workers—one by Baker Concrete and the other by an unnamed firm—and their identities have not been released.
• Investigators from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Gilbane Building Co. are examining whether mechanical failure or weather conditions triggered the collapse.
• Gilbane Building Co. secured the site and suspended all work while the investigation continues, with Health First confirming no employees were on site.
• Construction began in 2024 on the new Cape Canaveral Hospital, which is scheduled to open in early 2027 and replace the existing Cocoa Beach facility.