One Person Falls In Tower Collapse At Training Facility

One person was hospitalized with minor injuries following a tower collapse at the Lazy Q Ranch last Friday, Sept. 11.

Fayette County EMS Director Josh Vandever said his department got a call around 9 a.m. reporting that a training tower collapsed. Vandever said EMS responded and found one patient with minor injuries. EMS transported that individual to Ascension Seton Hospital in Smithville.

Vandever said a few others were treated on the scene for minor injuries, but they declined hospital transport.

The 2,700-acre Lazy Q Ranch is located near Winchester between FM 153 and the Colorado River. The property is home to a training facility owned by Quanta Services, a company that specializes in infrastructure solutions for the electric power, renewable energy, communications, and pipeline industries.

Elizabeth Brock, senior vice president of public affairs for Quanta Services, said the accident occurred during an installation exercise at the facility.

“Because we have controls in place to ensure a safe work environment only minor injuries occurred,” Brock said. “However, as part of Quanta’s standard process and out of an abundance of caution, we had all employees professionally examined and released. The health and safety of our employees is always our highest priority.”