2 construction workers killed in Boston-area crane collapse

Two construction workers were killed when a crane collapsed in Everett, Massachusetts, near Boston.

The crew members were struck by the crane while working at a redevelopment site near Boston Harbor on the Mystic River on Friday, Oct. 24, authorities said, per NBC News. One of the men was trapped under the collapsed crane and his body had to be picked up, the outlet reported, citing police.

Everett Police Chief Paul Strong confirmed that one of the men died at the hospital after the collapse, while the other died at the scene, according to the release.

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said the victims were “young men” working to dismantle the disposable fuel terminal for a private company, in a statement to NBC Boston. The site was previously owned by ExxonMobil. In a new joint venture redeveloping the marina, Everett Landco announced plans to take down storage tanks and dismantle offices at the site this month, according to NBC News.

“May they rest in eternal peace,” DeMaria told NBC News.

In a statement shared it social mediaEPD confirmed that the investigation remains open and is being conducted by the Massachusetts State Police, the Everett Police Department and the Chief Medical Examiners Office.

PEOPLE has reached out to EPD, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Massachusetts State Police.

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The construction site, located near 201B Rover St. in Everett, according to local outlets WHDHalso operated in part by redevelopment company Charter.

“We are devastated to learn that two individuals from a subcontractor have died following a horrific accident at one of our work sites,” CEO Robert Delhome said in a statement to PEOPLE, adding that the company offers “our deepest sympathies” to the victims’ families and thanks first responders for their swift action.

The Everett Fire Department praised emergency responders for their help in reaching the victims.

“This was a complex technical rescue involving our members as well as crews from our mutual aid partners,” it wrote via Facebookadding that those at the scene did “a fantastic job.”

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.