Construction worker injured in fall at Obama Presidential Center worksite, fire officials say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a construction accident Wednesday at the site of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on the South Side, officials said.

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Chicago Fire Department officials told ABC7 a worker fell down a ventilation shaft a couple of floors, hitting the duct along the way.

Firefighters said the duct likely helped break his fall, softening his landing.

ABC7 was told it took rescue crews about a half hour to get to the worker, but he was reportedly alert and awake and taken to the University of Chicago Hospital.

A spokesperson for Lakeside Alliance, the builder of the Obama Presidential Center issued a statement, saying, "A construction worker who was installing insulation fell within a ventilation shaft at the site of the Obama Presidential Center this afternoon. Emergency services immediately responded. The worker was conscious, alert, and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center for evaluation and care."

No further information was immediately available.