Fatal Government Center Collapse Alters Boston Commute

BOSTON — A construction worker was killed when part of the Government Center parking garage collapsed Saturday, and now MBTA service changes are in place until inspectors can confirm the area is safe again.

On Sunday, a labor union identified the construction worker as 51-year-old Peter Monsini, of South Easton, who had been a member of the union for 20 years. Another worker was taken to the hospital but was not physically injured.

Police say Monsini died at the site at 1 Congress Street around 5:30 p.m. when several floors of the parking garage collapsed. The garage, which has been under construction for years, is being demolished so a new residential tower at 50 New Sudbury Street can exist in the Haymarket area.

Orange Line service will be suspended between North Station and Back Bay, while Green Line service will not operate between North Station and Government Center, with shuttle buses running between North Station and Government Center. Orange Line customers who wish to travel to Downtown Crossing and Back Bay are encouraged to use nearby Green Line stations between Park and Copley stations, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said.

Officials said the suspension could last for several days. Hoping inspectors will be able to get the ground running by Monday or Tuesday, Poftak said, "We don't know what we will find, and we will not restart service until it is safe for our customers and our employees."

According to MBTA officials, Monsini was in a construction vehicle inside the parking garage doing demolition when the floor gave way under the vehicle. As the floor was collapsing, Monsini was still inside the vehicle as it went over the side of the parking garage and fell nine stories.

"What came down from the garage landed on top of our tunnels. Right now, we are waiting for them to give us the all-clear that the garage itself is safe, and that we can go in and inspect the tunnels, but until we can go in and inspect the tunnels we cannot run service right now to Haymarket," Poftak said. "That is causing the interruption on the Green and Orange lines."

All workers inside the garage were evacuated from the building and the site has been temporarily shut down. Firefighters, police officers and multiple EMS outlets responded to the scene.

"This is a horrible tragedy and my heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the worker," Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Sunday.

"Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to the loved ones of the worker who lost his life," a statement from John Moriarty & Associates says. "JMA remains committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees and trade partners. We would like to thank the Boston Police Department and EMS for their swift response."

An investigation into the collapse is still underway.