UPDATE: OSHA investigating ceiling collapse that left contractor in critical condition

A 40-year-old man is in critical, but stable condition after a ceiling fell on top of him.

The incident happened at 9:36 Monday morning at the Nebraska Animal Medical Center near Old Cheney and 56th St. Authorities said Tuesday morning that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident. 

“Upon our arrival, we found a partial collapse of a ceiling onto a victim. We were able to free the victim within just a few minutes and now the victim has been transported to the hospital,” Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Nancy Crist said. 

Rescue crews used airbags to create a pocket to lift the rubble and to remove the victim.

Officials say he was a contractor working at the clinic and was the only person injured.

Police say there was plumbing work being done at the clinic, but it’s unclear if that caused the collapse.

“Of course we requested building and safety once we arrived on scene just to try to help determine the cause and to sure the building just for safety purposes,” Crist said. 

No animals were injured, but around 20 had to be relocated to the Pielock Pet Adoption center for their safety.

Lincoln Animal Control sent their large vehicles to help in the relocation of the animals. 

“It’s my understanding there’s some animals that have some medical issues and stuff that would normally be here under the care of a vet. They have the ability and capacity to keep those animals here, so we’re taking healthy animals to the capital humane society for sheltering,” Lincoln Animal Control, Steve Beal said.

The pets may be a little shaken up from the activity.

“Anytime you get a whole bunch of different people around ’em, they get a little bit skiddish, and so their staff have been great,” Beal said. 

He is confident the pets are in the right hands.

“Their animal care staff have been working directly with our officers, who you can see in the background, helping us load the vehicles. Our units are all air conditioned, so they’re comfortable in there and will make the short trip down the road,” Beal said. 

Officials are still investigating to see what caused the collapse.

The clinic will be closed the rest of the day.