News Summary
A construction worker tragically lost his life after falling 30 feet at a construction site on the Van Meter School District campus. The 33-year-old male contractor fell while working on a new building project. Despite immediate CPR efforts and the dispatch of a helicopter for medical transport, he was pronounced dead on the scene. The incident is under investigation, with OSHA involved to assess safety protocols. The community mourns this loss while emphasizing the critical need for construction site safety.
Van Meter, Iowa – A construction worker died after falling 30 feet at a construction site on the Van Meter School District campus on Tuesday, October 7. The accident took place shortly before 1 p.m. while the victim was working on a new building project.
The worker, a 33-year-old male contractor whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, fell from a significant height during his work duties. Despite the rapid response of emergency crews, the worker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders, including the Van Meter Police and Fire Departments, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County EMS, DeSoto Fire Department, and MercyOne, arrived promptly to assist at the site. A school resource officer who was present initiated CPR immediately after the fall, attempting to revive the victim until the medics could arrive.
In an effort to transport the injured worker to a medical facility, a MercyOne helicopter was dispatched and landed on the softball field located across from the school. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the contractor did not survive the incident.
The deceased was identified as a bid package contractor involved in the construction project by a spokesperson for Story Construction, the company overseeing the development. The police department has withheld the victim’s name to allow family members time to inform other relatives of the tragic news.
Van Meter Police Chief Mike Brown expressed condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of the victim during this difficult time. The incident is currently under investigation, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified as part of standard procedure for workplace accidents of this nature.
Authorities have stated that more information will be shared with the community as the investigation unfolds. The tragic fall highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety in construction zones and the risks workers face on construction sites.
Construction work is often perilous, and safety regulations aim to mitigate such incidents. In this case, a thorough investigation will help to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident and whether safety protocols were adequately followed. As the community mourns the loss, the focus will inevitably shift to ensuring the safety of workers in future construction endeavors.
As of now, the Van Meter School District has also expressed its sorrow over the unfortunate event. The construction project is vital to the district and is intended to enhance educational facilities in the area. However, the safety of those involved in building such projects must remain a priority.
The tragic news of the construction worker’s death has raised awareness about the importance of safety training and enforcement of regulations in the construction industry. As investigations are conducted and findings are reported, there is hope that they lead to improved strategies for worker safety moving forward.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers present on construction sites and the critical need for comprehensive safety measures to protect workers in all phases of construction.
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Additional Resources
- KCCI News
- Des Moines Register
- WHO 13 News
- We Are Iowa
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Google Search: Van Meter School District Construction Incident

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