Son of UW construction worker: 'I thought I lost my Dad'
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SEATTLE -- Family members say it's a miracle that Gil Olson survived Saturday's construction accident at the University of Washington.
A wall of concrete crashed down on his excavator as he demolished an old dormitory on the UW Campus on Saturday.
"Such a huge piece, I mean you don't expect such a huge piece," said Olson's son Brandon.
Gill's son's Brandon and Shane were there, also employees of Rhine Demolition.
"He pulled the wall over. I heard it, it crashed pretty hard but that's normal on a demolition site," Shane Olson said.
Stationed across the street, he tried to reach his dad on the radio, but got no response.
"I had a real sick feeling," Shane Olson said. "I went around the walk and saw one of my co-worker's eyes and he said, 'it's your dad.' "
Gil Olson was trapped inside a tangled mess of twisted metal and concrete.
"It looked like a pancake," Brandon Olson said.
"I thought I lost my Dad," Shane Olson said.
But no, Gil Olson was still breathing. It took 90 minutes for rescue crews cut him out of the cab.
His family says they believe its bullet proof glass is what saved him.
"I'm very grateful that he's alive," said his daughter Alicia Olson.
Gil Olson fractured his spine, neck and knee, but his most serious injury is bruising on his brain.
"He's talking now, that makes things a lot easier," Alicia Olson said. "He has to force himself to speak a little bit, but just to hear his voice."
The state is investigating Walsh construction, the general contractor on that UW project.
We also checked the safety record for Rhine Demolition. The state says the company has had two serious violations related to the handling of asbestos materials. They paid a $450 fine.
A wall of concrete crashed down on his excavator as he demolished an old dormitory on the UW Campus on Saturday.
"Such a huge piece, I mean you don't expect such a huge piece," said Olson's son Brandon.
Gill's son's Brandon and Shane were there, also employees of Rhine Demolition.
"He pulled the wall over. I heard it, it crashed pretty hard but that's normal on a demolition site," Shane Olson said.
Stationed across the street, he tried to reach his dad on the radio, but got no response.
"I had a real sick feeling," Shane Olson said. "I went around the walk and saw one of my co-worker's eyes and he said, 'it's your dad.' "
Gil Olson was trapped inside a tangled mess of twisted metal and concrete.
"It looked like a pancake," Brandon Olson said.
"I thought I lost my Dad," Shane Olson said.
But no, Gil Olson was still breathing. It took 90 minutes for rescue crews cut him out of the cab.
His family says they believe its bullet proof glass is what saved him.
"I'm very grateful that he's alive," said his daughter Alicia Olson.
Gil Olson fractured his spine, neck and knee, but his most serious injury is bruising on his brain.
"He's talking now, that makes things a lot easier," Alicia Olson said. "He has to force himself to speak a little bit, but just to hear his voice."
The state is investigating Walsh construction, the general contractor on that UW project.
We also checked the safety record for Rhine Demolition. The state says the company has had two serious violations related to the handling of asbestos materials. They paid a $450 fine.
thanks for all the prayers and good wishes, Gil has made great strides in his recovery, won't be long now and he will be coming home
Glad to hear he is making progress!!
Watching that video had me choked up because I felt for the family. My spouse is in construction and no matter how safe you are accidents can happen. This one looked pretty scary so I'm glad for them that he made it out okay and I hope his condition continues to improve!
Here's to a speedy recovery!
THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HAS PRAYED FOR OUR BROTHER GIL, HE IS STRONG AND WILL MAKE IT . HARD TO WATCH THE COVERAGE ON THE NEWS, AT SAME TIME CANT STOP LOOKING FOR MORE COVERAGE. LOVE YOU BROTHER
Glad to hear that he is recovering! Â I was horrified to hear about the accident - I walk by that site every day & watch, it's rather fascinating. Â Looks like dangerous work, though. Â He will continue to be in my prayers.
This is indeed a relief as I was sure he would have been crushed. So glad to hear that is not the case. With his family around him, he will recover - may take time, but he will recover. Good news.