Roof Trusses Collapse at Shelby County Horse Arena, Killing One Worker
30 Second Takeaway
A worker died and several others were injured when roof trusses collapsed during construction of a horse arena in Shelby County, Kentucky, on Monday, May 18. Crews were securing the trusses, with workers using two scissor lifts. The Shelby County coroner’s initial account said a gust of wind dislodged several trusses, knocking Noel Molina Mazariegos, 35, from a lift. He died at the scene. Two other workers were taken to hospital, and state workplace safety officials are investigating.
Incident Overview
Dover Road, Shelby County, Kentucky, United States
The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. at a horse arena under construction on Dover Road, near the Oldham County line. Several roof trusses fell while a crew was working to secure them. Workers were using scissor lifts as part of the installation work.
The Shelby County coroner identified the worker who died as Noel Molina Mazariegos, 35. Local reports said a gust of wind dislodged several trusses, knocking him from a lift. Two other workers were taken to hospital; other injured workers were treated at the scene. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
Crews were installing and securing roof trusses at a horse arena under construction.
Workers were using two scissor lifts during the work.
Several trusses fell, bringing workers down with them.
Mazariegos was knocked from a lift and died at the scene.
Two other workers were taken to hospital.
Other workers were treated at the scene.
Kentucky workplace safety officials and emergency management personnel are investigating.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Two scissor lifts; makes and models not reported
Incident type: Roof truss collapse during construction
Location: Dover Road, Shelby County, Kentucky
Work scope: Installing and securing roof trusses for a horse arena
Fatality: Noel Molina Mazariegos, 35
Other injuries: Several workers injured; two taken to hospital
Reported weather factor: The coroner’s initial account said a gust of wind dislodged trusses
Investigation status: Kentucky workplace safety officials and emergency management personnel investigating
Early Observations
The coroner’s initial account attributed the trusses’ movement to a gust of wind. Local reporting also said workers were securing the roof structure when several trusses fell. These are preliminary details; investigators have not announced a final cause.
Some reports said workers may have been positioned on the trusses, but that detail has not been confirmed. The available information does not establish the trusses’ bracing or the exact work positions of everyone involved.
Why This Incident Was Possible
Roof trusses can be vulnerable to movement during erection before they are fully secured and braced. Wind can add force to an incomplete structure, while workers and equipment in the area may be exposed if a truss shifts or falls.
The specific sequence of events and the adequacy of the temporary bracing have not been established. Those matters remain under investigation.
Industry Reminder
Truss installation requires a planned erection sequence that addresses temporary stability, bracing and weather conditions. Workers should not rely on an incomplete truss assembly for support or positioning unless the work plan and engineered method specifically allow it.
Crews should stop work and move to a safe area if wind or other changing conditions affect the stability of the structure or the ability to control the trusses.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. Investigators have not announced a final cause for the collapse.
How Roof Truss Collapses Can Be Prevented
Follow an engineered erection sequence
Plan how trusses will be lifted, positioned, secured and braced at each stage of installation.
Install temporary bracing promptly
Provide the specified temporary supports before releasing lifting equipment or moving to the next truss.
Monitor wind and site conditions
Account for wind during planning and stop work when conditions make truss handling or temporary stability unsafe.
Keep workers clear of fall zones
Limit access beneath and around trusses during installation, and do not place workers where a shifting assembly could bring them down.
Use scissor lifts according to their intended purpose
Position lifts on suitable ground and use them to access work areas as planned. Do not use them or their platforms as unapproved supports for the structure.
Coordinate the crew’s actions
Ensure installers, lift operators and supervisors understand the sequence, communication signals and stop-work conditions.
