DURHAM -- A Durham construction worker is in the hospital after being seriously hurt while on the job Wednesday afternoon.

It happened at the 400 block of Morris Street, where new construction that is part of the Durham Innovation District is being built. 
  
Durham Police say a large metal beam fell from the fifth level, crushing the portable toilet and hitting the man with Acme Plumbing Company who was inside.

Luis Carmona witnessed the accident at the Durham construction site.

“There was a piece of steel that fell off of the fifth floor and the guy was in the restroom and that’s it,” she said. 
  
Durham Police confirm the beam fell approximately five levels critically injuring the man inside. 
  
“Emergency crews came right away. Fire department, police department, everybody was on point,” Carmona said. 

Carmona said he was nearby working on a concrete job when  it all happened but she was not a part of this crew. 
  
“I mean we work outside and we know it’s dangerous everyday,” she said. 
  
For someone who knows the profession, this hits close to home for her. 
  
“I’m shocked, shocked. It could have happened to anybody, you know what I mean. It could have been me or anybody else.”

The worker is being treated at Duke University Medical Center and the status of his condition is not known at this time.

Barnhill Contracting Company officials say they are cooperating with OSHA as they conduct an investigation into the accident.