Two Killed, Three Injured After Crane Collapse at Turning Stone Casino Construction Site
VERONA, Emergency crews from across Oneida County responded to a major industrial incident Tuesday afternoon at Turning Stone Resort Casino, where an accident at an active construction site prompted a large-scale emergency response.
The incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. at 5218 Patrick Road in Verona, according to emergency dispatch records. Multiple fire departments and emergency medical services from several municipalities were sent to the scene following initial reports of a serious construction-related collapse. The incident was logged under NIC: 26-0188.
Early information from the scene indicated that a crane may have collapsed, with reports suggesting five victims and raising concerns that two individuals may have been trapped beneath heavy equipment. Those preliminary reports led to an extensive emergency response and rescue operation as crews worked to assess the situation and provide aid.
Turning Stone Resort Casino is currently in the midst of several major expansion projects, collectively known as “The Turning Stone Evolution,” which include the construction of a new hotel, bar, and expo center on the resort’s campus.
In an initial statement, Joel Barkin, vice president for communications for Turning Stone Enterprises, acknowledged the incident and said the resort was cooperating with emergency responders.
“We are aware of an incident that occurred earlier today at a construction site on our campus involving multiple injuries,” Barkin said. “Emergency responders are on the scene, and we are working closely with emergency personnel to support their response. We will provide additional information when it becomes available.”
Later in the evening, the casino released an updated statement clarifying that the incident did not involve a crane collapse. According to Turning Stone officials, the accident occurred during the removal of a construction elevator.
In an update issued at 5:22 p.m., the resort said five construction workers were injured but were conscious and transported to local hospitals for treatment.
“Earlier today, in the course of removing a construction elevator, an incident occurred injuring five construction workers,” the statement said. “All five construction workers are conscious and have been taken to local hospitals. We are continuing to investigate what caused this to occur. Multiple local emergency units responded to the scene and we are grateful for their quick response and support.”
Emergency responders remained on site for several hours as the area was secured and the injured workers were transported. Authorities have not released details about the severity of the injuries or addressed discrepancies between early reports and later confirmations.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and officials said additional updates are expected as more information becomes available.
