According to authorities, the scaffolding supporting a work crew working on the windows at Laurens Place, a waterfront condomnium complex in downtown Charleston, collapsed around 4 PM Monday, killing one worker and injuring another.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other fell into the Charleston Harbor and was rushed to Medical University Hospital, but the extent of his injuries are not yet known.

While the Charleston County Coroner's Office has confirmed the first man's death, information as to who the man was or what company he worked for has not been released. Witnesses say that at least three workers had been using the scaffolding prior to the tragic accident. The scaffolding was about 20 feet above the ground, and the workers had set up an extension ladder on top of it.

One witness saw the setup as he left the complex. "When I saw that I was like, 'What are they thinking?' That is so dangerous."

Our thoughts are with the families of the victims in this tragic incident. 

Law enforcement officials in South Carolina are tightening up on drunken driving in the weeks leading up to Labor Day weekend. Last weekend, these extra patrol units took many people to jail during the first weekend of the crackdown.

The new program is called Sober or Slammer and is focusing on reducing DUI and DWI related crashes which are the main cause of traffic fatalities on South Carolina roadways.

The program will run from August 20 to September 6 and a commerical has been airing to let people know about the extra enforcement. As of August 15, there have been 136 fatalities in the 100 days of summer.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DWI, contact the Charleston DWI defense lawyers of the Steinberg law firm by calling 843-720-2800 today to discuss your legal options.

According to the Charleston Gazette, a coal truck crossed the center line on West Virginia 61 by Beards Fork a little before noon. 19-year-olds Justin Davis and Adam Sizemore were driving their Chevrolet Trailblazer on the opposite side of West Virginia 61. Unfortunately, they were in the coal truck's path as it crossed the center line.

The driver of the Trailblazer, Davis, was thrown from the vehicle. His passenger, Sizemore, was also injured. They were both life-flighted to the hospital. Charleston Area Medical Center reports that Davis is in critical condition, and Sizemore is stable.

26-year-old Larry Evans was the driver of the coal truck. Police have not issued him a ticket for the accident. He was not injured. Police think that he was distracted when he crossed the line.

Another driver's negligence can cause you to be severely injured. If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of another driver's negligence, contact your Charleston Truck Accident Attorneys at The Steinberg Law Firm by dialing 843-720-2800 today.

WCHS radio reports that the Du Pont Plant has been cited six times for significant workplace violations. These citations came from the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration because of an accident at the plant last January.

The accident occurred when Carl Fish, 58, died after exposure to phosphene gas. According to OSHA, the company failed, "to properly inspect piping used to transfer the phosgene, perform a thorough process hazard analysis for the operation, train workers on hazards associated with the gas, thoroughly inspect all high-risk sections of piping used to transfer other chemicals, and properly install energized electrical conductors," writes WCHS Radio. the fines add up to $43,000 owed by the company. 

Toxic substances can make you sick and cause serious health problems. If you or someone you know has been exposed to toxic substances on the job, contact a Charleston Exposure to Toxic Substances Attorney at the Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. 

According to The Post and Courier, "A judge has dismissed a federal lawsuit against North Charleston police stemming from the 2006 death of a man who was repeatedly jolted with a Taser gun while high on cocaine."

The wrongful death suit was dismissed after a defense motion because the plaintiff, Black's mother, and her attorney continually failed to respond to requests and meet court deadlines. The judge did dismiss the case without prejudice, however, which means it can be refiled again.

In October 2006, Kip Black, a mentally impaired man, was stripping and acting wildly when police discovered him. The Post and Courier reports then, "Black began chewing on his driver's license and running into traffic." Officers used both tasers and chemical spray, which they said had little effect. It took four officers to bring him to the ground. He was pronounced dead later at a local hospital. According to The Post and Courier, "The Charleston County Coroner's Office ruled that cocaine use had causedBlack to die from 'excited delirium syndrome.'"  

A search of a Battery near downtown Charleston was called off. Police had originally been led to believe a missing boy fell over the wall into the water. Now, they think this information is false. WMBF reports that 2-year-old Rodricus Fred Williams has been missing since Tuesday night.

According to WMBF, "Summerville police have arrested the child's father, 28-year-old Roger Williams. He had the boy the past two months and was supposed to return the child to his mother Tuesday night. The boy's parents are in a custody battle." The father already has four warrants for his arrest. Authorities say, in addition, he is not being cooperative in the investigation.

Police still do not know where the boy is. 

Officials warn residents of the Carolinas to prepare themselves for a weekend filled with heavy traffic and increased state trooper presence. The Charlotte Observer reports that "AAA Carolinas estimates there will be a 12 percent increase in the number of holiday travelers in North and South Carolina."

In an effort to ease traffic, officials will halt all construction on the major roadways. This begins at 4 p.m. today and ends at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The Charlotte Observer says the the Fourth of July weekend brings danger with it. It even goes so far as to report that, "is historically one of the most dangerous times for drivers." AAA Carolinas says that, last year alone, there were 20 road deaths in North Carolina and 16 in South Carolina. 

The Charleston car accident lawyers at The Steinberg Law Firm hope that you have a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend.