Spokane Construction Project
Updated 3.21.23
On Tuesday, March 7, a collapse involving an elevated working platform occurred at a Swinerton Builders casino/hotel construction project currently underway in Airway Heights near Spokane. We are very saddened to report that the incident resulted in the death of Ana Vetter, a journeyman carpenter of a subcontractor who was working on site. There were no other workers involved or injured.
Both our subcontractor and Swinerton Builders have reached out to Ana’s family to offer our condolences and support and, at their request, arrange for a private jobsite visit. Our thoughts are with the family and all affected by this terrible accident. We are committed to supporting all those impacted as the investigation continues. This includes counseling assistance being made available for team members on the project site.
Information from the initial investigation has informed us that an elevated working platform collapsed. The cause of this and the investigation of the incident is still ongoing. We continue to actively work with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries and local authorities investigating the accident and are cooperating fully to meet their requests for information.
Safety is our number one priority, when something like this happens it is our responsibility to find out why. Our goal is that everyone takes time to fully understand the circumstances rather than reaching conclusions too quickly. It is our hope this can be brought to conclusion in the near future.
The site has remained closed since the incident occurred. Work will resume on March 21st after a ceremonial blessing by the Spokane Tribe to honor Ms. Vetter and all workers on the site.
We would like to extend a special thank you for the continued support of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Airway Heights Police and Fire and the Spokane County Chaplain, the Local Unions, and everyone who has stepped up to provide support during this tragic event.
