BETHESDA, Md. — An investigation is underway in Bethesda after a man working as an electrician for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) died on Wednesday.
At 12:20 p.m., Montgomery County Fire and Rescue crews were called to building 10, the hospital building on NIH grounds, for a report of a man who fell through a grate and into a "vault." The space was described to investigators as seven feet wide, and 30 feet deep.
NIH Police and Fire crews also responded to the scene.
MCFRS Tech Rescue resources arrived but were on the scene shortly before NIH crews were able to reach the victim and confirm he was dead. All MCFRS assets were then returned into service.
The NIH confirmed to the public Wednesday night that a deadly workplace accident took place. Officials later identified the victim as 45-year-old Akwasi Addae.
A spokesperson with the National Institute of Health released the following statement in response to the employee's tragic fall:
"We are deeply saddened to share that Akwasi Addae, a 45-year-old federal employee who was an NIH electrician, died while conducting repair work on the exterior of a building on the NIH Bethesda campus after falling into an air handling intake shaft. We have notified the family and have offered condolences and support. We are also offering grief support to his NIH colleagues and NIH first responders." Adding that, "The NIH Division Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) reported the accident to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). NIH DOHS and OSHA will investigate the accident to help determine the cause and confirm appropriate safety measures are in place and followed."
WATCH NEXT:
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.