Worker fatally falls at Hudson Tunnel construction site in Manhattan

A fatal accident occurred on October 23, 2025, at a Hudson Yards construction site in Manhattan, where a worker fell approximately 60 feet into a pit during operations for the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel project. The incident, which took place around 9 a.m. at 605 W. 30th Street, led to an immediate emergency response and a temporary suspension of work while investigations are underway.

According to the New York Fire Department, the worker was performing duties near a recently poured foundation wall when the fall occurred. About 60 fire and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene and conducted a rescue operation. The worker was lifted from the excavation pit on a stretcher and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The site forms part of the Gateway Tunnel project, a major infrastructure effort connecting new rail tunnels beneath the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey. Representatives from the project’s managing organizations confirmed that all construction activities at the site have been halted while safety authorities conduct a full investigation.

Preliminary statements indicate that the worker had been involved in preparing the right-of-way connection to Pennsylvania Station. Officials are now reviewing work procedures and safety protocols to determine the cause of the incident and whether existing measures were properly implemented.

The incident underscores the persistent safety challenges in large-scale urban excavation projects, where deep foundation work and confined conditions require rigorous risk management. Industry observers note that investigations of this nature often lead to revised safety guidelines and improved site supervision.

All project stakeholders expressed condolences and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards across ongoing construction works.