MAGNOLIA, Texas — Federal authorities are now investigating after a teenage boy was killed Tuesday when a severe thunderstorm caused two houses under construction in Magnolia to collapse.
The body of Juan Aaron Garcia, 16, was found under the rubble after first responders worked for hours to shore up the site on Willow Heights Lane near FM 1488, the Magnolia Fire Department said.
Workers told us everyone else made it to safety after they noticed the houses began to shift when the wind picked up.
"Like a little tornado and we heard a lot of noises, like strong noises," Christian Hernandez told us.
He said they tried to call their missing co-worker a few times and they could hear his phone ringing but he didn't answer.
Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies said Garcia was working at the job site, likely as a summer job.
OSHA investigators didn't want to comment on the specifics of his death but they did answer general questions about worksite safety when it comes to weather and minors.
The OSHA director for the Houston South Office told us that businesses need to provide a safe work environment and have a safety plan for bad weather.
“How are they going to shelter in place? Will they need to leave that job site?” Larissa Ipsen said.
She said minors can legally work in construction jobs but there are limitations.
“Any hazardous work for minors under 18 or not allowed. So, when it comes to construction, it's very, very limited scope of what could be done," Ipsen explained. "We're talking about potentially picking up trash.”
The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour division oversees minors in the workforce and it's also investigating Garcia's death. It has a specific list of jobs that minors can't perform.
“That that would be circular and solid ban saws, shears, roofing operations, which would involve nail guns," Ipsen said.
We asked property owner Westfield Homes if they had any specific regulations governing minors working at job sites.
"The primary concern of Westfield Homes has been and will continue to be the safety and security for everyone onsite," the company said in a statement. "Our team is actively working with local authorities, investigators, and structural engineers to assess the damage and understand the full circumstances of the incident to ensure this type of accident does not reoccur."
(Scroll down to read the full statement.)
Full statement from Westfield Homes.
"It is with a heavy heart that Westfield Homes addresses the community regarding the recent catastrophic windstorm that struck our new subdivision, resulting in the tragic loss of a member of our construction team this afternoon. At approximately 1:00 PM on Tuesday, an unexpected and powerful windstorm caused significant damage to the area and the collapse of two homes that were in the early frame stages of construction. The associate was present at the construction site at the time of the collapse and sustained significant injuries as a result thereof. We are devastated by the loss of this individual and extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The primary concern of Westfield Homes has been and will continue to be the safety and security for everyone onsite. Our team is actively working with local authorities, investigators, and structural engineers to assess the damage and understand the full circumstances of the incident to ensure this type of accident does not reoccur. Safety remains our top priority, and we have full commitment to complying with all applicable standards, rules and regulations. We are also reaching out to provide services and assistance to those affected by this tragedy. We ask for the community’s support and understanding as we navigate through this difficult time."
The storms also caused hail and high winds in Harris County.
Another round of thunderstorms is expected late Tuesday into early Wednesday.