Family members at the scene of Michael Klanja’s death in Brighton East. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: News Limited
A MARRIED father of two boys has been killed after a brick wall collapsed on him during a strong wind gust in Melbourne’s south-east today.
Michael Klanja, aged in his 30s, was killed in front of his workmate as he stood next to a brick wall at a residential site being built in Elizabeth St, Brighton East about 9.30am.
The Herald Sun understands the 6m x 4m brick wall was erected last week.
His supervisor and family friend, Stan Bilic, 66, was devastated, saying he had been there when Mr Klanja was born and had now seen him lose his life.
“I just can’t imagine this happening to anyone. I’m a family friend. I saw him when he was born and now I’ve seen him when he’s died as well,’’ he said.
“He was a lovely man. An Italian-Croatian background but he was born in Australia.
“His family are very nice people. He’s worked for me on and off for many years.’’
Mr Bilic said the wind gust that collapsed the brick wall “just suddenly came”.
Police outside the building site. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: News Limited
It is believed two garages were being built at a pair of townhouses under construction. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: News Limited
Neighbour Leala Sawicki said she heard a loud bang before her husband ran out to investigate.
“I heard a very loud bang like concrete being dropped,’’ she said.
“I looked out the window and saw the man just lying there.
“I knew immediately something bad had happened. I’ve never seen anything like that, it’s awful, just awful.
“My husband quickly got dressed and ran out to help. The ambulance was here very quickly but they couldn’t do anything. It’s the worst thing I’ve seen in my life.’’
Family members talk to police at the scene. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: News Limited
Emotional scenes at the construction site. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: News Limited
It is believed two garages were being built at a pair of townhouses under construction for a couple and their parents.
Mr Klanja’s mother also died tragically in a car accident about five years ago, in which Mr Klanja survived.
His father is believed to have rushed to the construction site.
WorkCover have arrived at the site, joining MFB and police.
Det Sgt Gerry Richardson from Glen Eira CIB said the two construction workers were working in testing weather conditions when the incident occurred.
``They were on the upper storey level but due to the atmospheric conditions they thought it would be safer to work at the rear of the construction site,’’ Det Sgt Richardson said.
``There was a garage brick wall partly constructed and police believe a large gust of wind has blown through causing the wall to fall down and strike the worker.
``The worker was trapped underneath.’’
He said the co-worker pulled him out and called 000 and an ambulance arrived quickly but was unable to revive Mr Klanja.
WorkCover and surveyors from Glen Eira and Bayside Council are investigating.
“The Victorian WorkCover Authority is aware of an incident and is on the way to the scene,” spokeswoman Kate Fawcett said.
The street has been cordoned off.
CFMEU state secretary John Setka said the accident was a tragedy.
“This tragedy is news no building worker wants to hear and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased,” he said.
“Today’s fatality is another terrible reminder of the dangers building workers face every day.”
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