Authorities have confirmed that two construction workers were killed following a crane collapse in Everett, Massachusetts, on Friday afternoon, October 24, 2025. The tragic incident occurred at a former Exxon terminal site along the Mystic River, where demolition work was underway as part of a large-scale redevelopment project near the Encore Casino.

Everett Fire Chief John Hickey initially reported one fatality and one injury, but subsequent updates confirmed that both men—identified as young subcontractors—died from their injuries. One worker was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other later succumbed at a nearby hospital. No additional injuries were reported.

The crane, mounted on a barge positioned along the waterfront, collapsed during ongoing operations. Emergency crews, including divers, responded immediately to aid in extrication efforts and secure the site. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation by the Everett Fire Department, local police, and representatives from Charter Contracting, the firm overseeing the project. Federal safety regulators, including OSHA, are also expected to review the incident.

The redevelopment of the former Exxon terminal has been a key element of Everett’s long-term industrial revitalization plan. However, this tragedy has drawn renewed attention to safety practices in Boston-area construction zones—particularly along the waterfront, where complex machinery and heavy demolition increase the risk of catastrophic accidents. According to federal data, crane-related accidents result in roughly 20 fatalities nationwide each year.

Officials described the incident as one of the region’s rare double fatalities involving construction equipment. The event has prompted new calls from local labor advocates for stricter subcontractor oversight and reinforced safety compliance across all levels of major redevelopment projects.

As investigators work to determine the precise cause, authorities have extended condolences to the victims’ families, while emphasizing the importance of accountability and safety improvements in the wake of this devastating loss.