A digital sign fell at a Birmingham airport on Friday, Mar. 22, killing a 10-year-old boy and injuring at least three other family members according to the Associated Press.
The 10-year-old, Luke Bresette, was pronounced dead at the nearby Children's of Alabama hospital according to Deputy Coroner Derrick Perryman. Two other children were being treated there, and the mother, Heather Bresette, was taken to University Hospital, according to spokeswoman Nicole Wyatt who said she was in "critical condition."
"Medical staff from the fire department responded and transported the injured people to hospitals. It is our understanding that some type of sign or display did fall, injuring some people," police spokesman Sergeant Johnny Williams said.
Airport spokeswoman Toni Herrera-Bast said the incident happened about 1:30 p.m. Friday in a pre-security area of the airport.
Mayor William Bell issued a statement saying the city offered its "full support to the Airport Authority" in investigating the accident.
Click here to view released photos of the incident.
Firefighters estimated to the Associated Press that the arrival-departure sign weighed approximately "300 to 400 pounds."
"The whole thing flipped down on those kids. It took all of us here to stand it up," said Albert Osorio, 46, of Birmingham to al.com.
Osorio said he was close by when the sign fell and heard a "loud boom" followed by screams from family members and witnesses. It took five people to lift the sign off of the kids.
Herrera-Bast said officials aren't sure how the sign fell. The airport continued operating while rescue workers tended to the family according to the Associated Press.
The airport recently finished the first phase of a $201 million modernization effort and opened newly renovated concourses last week according to Herrera-Bast.
Related Articles:
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Pictures Leaked, 4.3-Inch Screen, Dual-Core CPU, Release Date Revealed, Runs On Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean (PHOTOS/ VIDEO)
Ex-NFL Cheerleader Arrested After Being Accused Of Sexually Assaulting A Minor (VIDEO)
Obama Helicopter Grounded By Massive Sandstorm, Bethlehem Visit Canceled (VIDEO)
Girl Discovers Dinosaur: Scientists Name New Flying Dino Daisymorrsae After Five-Year-Old UK Girl (PHOTOS/ VIDEO)
New York Auto Show 2013: Carhartt-Inspired Chrysler 200 S Special Edition Revealed Early (PHOTOS)
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
