News Summary
A contractor sustained life-threatening injuries after falling 50 feet from scaffolding while working on the USS John C. Stennis at the Newport News Shipyard. Emergency responders transported the injured individual to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. An investigation is underway, and safety measures will likely be reviewed to prevent future accidents. The contractor works for Serco Inc., which is cooperating with local authorities regarding the incident. The contractor’s condition has since stabilized.
Newport News, VA – A U.S. Navy contractor sustained life-threatening injuries after falling approximately 50 feet from scaffolding at the Newport News Shipyard on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. while the contractor was working on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
The contractor fell onto a barge adjacent to the aircraft carrier and was quickly given medical assistance. Emergency responders transported the injured individual to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital via a Nightingale helicopter due to the severity of the injuries, which are currently deemed life-threatening. Fortunately, the contractor’s condition has since stabilized.
In response to the incident, the Newport News Fire Department received a call for assistance at 10:56 a.m. and promptly sent personnel to facilitate the airlifting of the injured worker. A spokesperson for the Navy confirmed that an investigation into the accident is underway. However, specific details about the incident have not been disclosed out of respect for the privacy of the contractor and their family.
The contractor belongs to Serco Inc., which provides technology management services to the Department of Defense. The company is actively monitoring the situation and is cooperating with local authorities as the investigation continues.
The USS John C. Stennis is currently undergoing a midlife refueling and overhaul at the Newport News Shipyard, a facility known for its significant role in naval construction and repair work. It is designed to enhance the combat capabilities of vessels in the U.S. Navy, ensuring that they remain mission-ready.
This incident highlights the inherent dangers associated with construction and repair work in shipyard environments. Safety protocols are pivotal in preventing such accidents, and ongoing training and supervision are critical components of workplace safety when dealing with heavy machinery and elevated work platforms.
As the investigation proceeds, the Navy and Serco Inc. will likely review safety measures and operational practices to avoid similar accidents in the future. The contractor’s recovery will be closely monitored by both the company and family members, as they await further updates on his condition.
In summary, a contractor at the Newport News Shipyard has suffered life-threatening injuries from a fall during work on the USS John C. Stennis, prompting a medical response and investigation by the Navy and local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: 50-Foot Fall at Newport News Shipyard Results in Life-Threatening Injuries
- Wikipedia: Newport News Shipbuilding
- 13 News Now: Contractor Falls from Scaffolding at Newport News Shipyard
- Google Search: Newport News Shipyard accident
- Pilot Online: Worker Falls Seriously Injured at Newport News Shipbuilding
- Google Scholar: Newport News Shipyard accidents
- Military.com: Navy Says 26 Ships Affected by Faulty Welds at Newport News Shipyard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shipbuilding
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
