A tragic accident unfolded near the University of Pittsburgh’s campus on Friday when a large steel drum broke free from a construction site and claimed the life of a 51-year-old woman. Aleia Lopez, a staff member at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, was walking on the sidewalk when the runaway drum, weighing over a ton, crashed into her after breaching a fence and hurtling down a hill.
The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. outside the university's new sports performance center being built in the Oakland neighborhood, ABC27 reported. According to police, no other injuries were reported, and the investigation into how the drum came loose from its moorings is ongoing. Despite efforts to save her, Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene from a head injury, bystanders, and medics unable to revive her.
In a statement obtained by CBS Pittsburgh, Emily Bourne, Pittsburgh Public Safety Public Information Officer, detailed the events, noting that the steel drum "escaped from the construction site, rolled down the hill, broke through a section of fencing, and the woman was on the sidewalk, street area when she was struck by the runway piece of metal."
Costa Contracting, one of the contractors on the project, issued a statement through The Blackwell Law Firm expressing their condolences to Lopez's family. "With heavy hearts, Costa Contracting wishes to extend their deepest condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life today." They said "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this profoundly difficult time," and they respected the family's privacy, according to CBS News.
The University of Pittsburgh acknowledged the incident as well, offering sincere condolences to the victim's loved ones and stating that the city and OSHA will spearhead the investigation with the school's full cooperation. Meanwhile, UPMC lamented the loss impacting its community. "UPMC is aware of this tragedy and our immediate concern is the safety and well-being of our employees, patients, and visitors," the hospital system stated.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, too, issued a heartfelt statement. "On behalf of the City of Pittsburgh, we offer our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the victim," he said, echoing the sentiment of a city touched by an unexpected and sudden loss.
