Construction worker falls through roof of Lawrence County banquet center during breakfast event

A construction worker was taken to the hospital after falling through the roof of a banquet center in Lawrence County during an event attended by hundreds of people on Friday.

Neshannock police said first responders were dispatched to the New England Banquet Center on Wilmington Road around 9:45 a.m. on Friday. 

Police said a 23-year-old fell about 30 feet through the roof while he was working on it. He was taken to a hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, but police didn't have an update on his condition. 

About 300 people were at the banquet center for a breakfast event when the incident happened. Forward Lawrence was holding its annual Impact Awards ceremony, with businesses and elected officials in attendance.

Shenango Township supervisor Brandon Rishel said he was on stage receiving an award when the ceremony took a tragic turn, just 10 feet from him. 

"I just began to speak and noticed the ceiling tile and a gentleman fell through the ceiling at the event," Rishel said. 

Geoff Measel, the building owner, said he had subcontractors on the roof making repairs after high winds tore part of it off in March. 

"It's basically been raining inside the building," said Measel. 

He thinks the construction worker may have fallen through what was once an old skylight.

"One of the roofers was walking across one of the other building's roof sections and stepped on a part of a roof that we believe was maybe an old skylight from the mill and he fell through the roof," Measel said.

Within seconds, several first responders in attendance jumped into action.

"I realized there was a person underneath some of the building material that was there, uncovered the person that was there and began to administer medical care that we could," said Rishel. 

"Our biggest concern is his health and well-being. We're sick to our stomachs, worried like crazy, been asking everybody for prayers for him," Measel said.

Forward Lawrence said no attendees were injured, but the organization offered "thoughts and prayers" for the construction worker who was hurt. 

"To everyone who attended the event, we sincerely apologize for the distress and disruption caused. The safety and well-being of all attendees, workers, and partners is always our top priority," Forward Lawrence said.