Contractor Fined $101,000 Over Fatal Michigan Arena Collapse

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holland-Civic-Center/ – Holland Civic Center

A demolition company is facing a $101,000 state fine for safety violations found after a worker was killed at a western Michigan arena.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration found five violations by Grand Rapids-based X-Treme Demolition Inc. related to the Aug. 1 collapse at the Holland Civic Center that killed 38-year-old Ruben Gomez-Vasques of Grand Rapids and injured another worker. The Holland Sentinel and Mlive.com reported Thursday the contractor was cited Nov. 28 for violations including improper fall protection and not having the floor supported.

Authorities say the workers were using a sledgehammer and a jackhammer to remove concrete stairs when the floor collapsed from underneath them. Gomez-Vasques was trapped under concrete debris and died at the scene. 

Official from X-Treme Demolition didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.