Christopher Cassaniti, 18, killed in scaffolding collapse in Macquarie Park with another fighting for life

Harrowing footage has emerged of the moments after a teenager was crushed to death and his co-worker critically injured when a nine-storey scaffolding tower collapsed at a Macquarie Park building site yesterday.

Harrowing footage has emerged of the moments after a teenager was crushed to death and his co-worker critically injured when a nine-storey scaffolding tower collapsed at a Macquarie Park building site yesterday.

The video shows workers in a desperate bid to save 18-year-old apprentice formworker Christopher Cassaniti and another worker.

In the video, workers can be seen grabbing tools in a frantic bid to reach their colleagues trapped under the scaffolding.

Apprentice formworker Christopher Cassaniti, 18, died after scaffolding collapsed at a worksite at Macquarie Park. Picture: Supplied

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As workers clashed with police, one of them yelled: “My brother’s down there!”

Site worker Te Wihongi told Channel 7:‘We could hear them, they were just calling for help.

“We were trying our hardest to get the scaffolding off them. We managed to reach them and we were told to just back off once the fire brigade and police turned up”

Amid distressing scenes, Christopher’s devastated mother broke down in tears at the Lachlan’s Line project in northern Sydney where she had regularly served her son and his workmates from her coffee van.

This morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Bill Shorten both paid tribute to Mr Cassaniti.

“I am just so saddened about the death of young scaffolding apprentice Christopher Cassaniti. To his parents and workmates my heart goes out to you. Just heartbreaking,” Mr Morrison tweeted today.

Mr Shorten said on social media: “Shocking and heartbreaking news from Sydney yesterday with the death of an 18 year old apprentice. As a father of 3, it is incomprehensible what his family must be going through at this time — and I think I speak for everyone when I say they are in our thoughts.”

Heartbreakingly, just two days earlier Mr Cassaniti’s family had celebrated his 18th birthday.

A couple of bricklayers working on the top level jumped back onto the building as the 17m-tall scaffolding tower collapsed onto the two workers.

A 39-year-old man is now in a stable condition in Royal North Shore after being crushed alongside Mr Cassaniti.

His mum Patrizia Cassaniti, pictured with her husband, broke down at the scene where she often served her son, after hearing the news. Picture: 9 News

The chaotic scene moments after the collapse as tradies rushed to the aid of the two men trapped underneath the scaffolding. Picture: 7 News

Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union state secretary Darren Greenfield said Mr Cassaniti’s family had visited the scene.

“As you’d expect they are devastated to lose their 18-year-old son. New to this industry, early in his working life, to lose his life doing a job is just atrocious,” Mr Greenfield said.

“These workers were working on the ground as far as I’m aware and it’s come down on top of them. You can imagine 15m- to 17m-high, four layers of scaffolding, that’s a lot of steel.”

NSW Ambulance acting superintendent Steve Vaughan said his crews arrived just after 12.15pm to an “absolutely chaotic and emotionally charged scene”.

The young apprentice celebrated his 18th birthday just days ago. Picture: Facebook

Christopher celebrates his 18th birthday with brothers Michael (right) and Adriano.

Workers were frantically trying to pull the scaffolding clear as screams came from underneath for 20 minutes. But then the screaming stopped.

Police sources confirmed there was some “push and shove” and officers were forced to pull out pepper spray as workers refused to move clear.

“You can’t just stand there … It was one of our workers down there,” one man, who asked not to be named, said. Another said: “We all formed a big chain and started to pull the planks out … we are human beings, you know, we have to help each other.”

His tradie mates had surprised him with a cake for his birthday. Picture: Facebook

Tradies believed they could get to those trapped but authorities were concerned about the dangers of rushing the rescue.

Builder Ganellen issued a statement on Monday saying: “This is a tragic incident and our deepest sympathies go to the young man’s family, co-workers and friends. This is clearly a distressing time for everyone on site and we are mobilising support services to look after those who have been affected.”

One worker was rushed to hospital and remains is in a critical condition. Picture: Richard Dobson

The scene has been described as “emotionally charged” by ambulance officials. Picture: Richard Dobson

The tragic incident will be investigated by NSW Police and SafeWork NSW. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

The statement was echoed by scaffolder Synergy Scaffolding Services, which said it adhered “to all safety regulations, ensure all staff are suitably qualified”.

A crime scene has been established and the incident will be investigated by police from Ryde Police Area Command and SafeWork NSW officials.

As Mr Cassaniti’s family struggled to come to term’s with Monday’s tragedy, his older brother Adriano paid tribute to him: “You were such a ball of energy and so hard working, you will be sorely missed by all your family and friends. Nothing more could I have asked for in a little brother.”