Deadly scaffolding collapse in N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- An accident at a high-rise construction site in downtown Raleigh, N.C., killed three workers Monday and seriously injured a fourth, officials from the company said.

The workers were removing a scaffolding on an 11-story building when the accident occurred, Atlanta-based Choate Construction's chief operating officer Mike Hampton told CBS News affiliate WRAL.

People nearby described what sounded to them like an explosion and then saw the scaffolding, which was operated by Associated Scaffolding in Raleigh, collapsing and crashing into the side of the building.

"I ran, and it fell like 2 feet away from me," said worker Leroy Kelly who said he was in a parking lot below and under the scaffolding when he heard it fall.

Another worker, Deantay Lee said the accident gave him a "reality check" about jobs like this one.

"When we came out, we saw the scaffolding had failed," he said. "We saw a couple guys that had got caught up in it. That's an image I won't forget."

The identities of the workers who were killed and the injured worker were not released.

The property under construction, Charter Square, is a $54 million mixed-use development of residential, office and retail space. It sits across from Marriott City Centre and one block from the Raleigh Convention Center.

"I was incredibly saddened to learn of the construction accident that occurred this morning at the Charter Square construction site," Raleigh mayor Nancy McFarlane said in a statement. "I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the workers who tragically lost their lives. Please keep the workers and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."