Worker plunges 800ft to death from skyscraper in LA

An electrician has plunged 800ft to his death from a Los Angeles skyscraper that will be the tallest on the West Coast once it is completed.

The worker, on his second day on the project, fell from the 53rd floor of the Wilshire Grand Centre on to the boot of a passing car.

It happened at one of the busiest times of day at one of the busiest intersections in Los Angeles city centre, when the streets were thronged with people.

The woman who was driving the car did not appear to be seriously hurt but was taken to hospital, city fire officials said.

Lisa Gritzner, a spokeswoman for Turner Construction, said the electrician was not supposed to be above the third floor of the project and had removed his hard hat.

She added that he had not been issued a safety harness because his work did not require it, and said all safety protocols were followed by the company.

The 73-storey skyscraper will be about 1,100ft tall when it is completed. A ceremony was held earlier this month when the top beam was hoisted into place on the 73rd floor.

The billion-dollar (£690 million) office and hotel tower being developed by Korean Airlines is expected to open early next year.

The building is near the Staples Centre arena where the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers play and is at the centre of a bustling and fast-growing financial district.