MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Two people died Wednesday after a giant crane collapsed at the construction site for a new central Florida hospital, officials said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The collapse occurred at the site of the new Cape Canaveral Hospital in Merritt Island, which is on the Atlantic coast about 60 miles (90 kilometers) east of Orlando.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two people were transported to a nearby hospital, where they later died, Brevard County Sheriff\u2019s Office spokesperson Tod Goodyear said. Officials didn’t immediately identify the victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The area had been hit by rain and strong winds Wednesday afternoon, but the exact cause of the collapse was under investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cape Canaveral Hospital began construction last year and is expected to open to the public in 2027. It will replace the existing Cape Canaveral Hospital in nearby Cocoa Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hospital is operated by Health First, a not-for-profit community health system in Brevard County. Spokesperson Lance Skelly said the site is secure and is currently under an active investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The contractor for the project is Gilbane Building Co. They didn’t immediately respond to a email seeking comment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n