CPD Investigates Fatal Construction Accident at Maclellan Building

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Around 9:45 Tuesday morning, tragedy struck at one of Chattanooga’s oldest skyscraper’s, the Maclellan Building.

According to Bruce Garner, the public information officer with the Chattanooga Fire Department, "Eyewitnesses have told us so far that once the accident occured, co-workers attempted to administer CPR to the victim.

Chattanooga fire fighters also tried CPR, but the male construction worker passed away.
 
Garner adds, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, but it’s a recovery."

Chattanooga Police are now investigating what led up to the fatal accident.
 
Garner says, "They’re investigating, talking with eyewitness and they’ll be the ones to exactly nail down what happened."

Chattanooga fire fighters also had a tough job.

The unoccupied building had no working elevators, so they had to walk the victim down nine flights of stairs.
 
Garner adds, "Which is very, very narrow. "

The stairs were not up to code because the 1925 building was undergoing a major facelift.

Last July, Heritage Maclellan Apartments LLC, bought the building and were transforming it into apartment units.

There’s no word on if this accident will halt the multi-million dollar project.

Chattanooga Police are not yet releasing the victim’s identity.