MONTGOMERY, Alabama (AP) — The mother of a U.S. boy who was killed by a falling airport sign remained unconscious in a hospital with her own injuries, still unaware of her loss.
Heather Bresette and two of her other sons were seriously hurt when the 300-pound (136-kilogram) sign fell Friday at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Alabama. She was in serious condition and unconscious after surgeries for broken ankles and a crushed pelvis.
"She does not know that her baby is dead," the family's priest, the Rev. Don Farnan, said.
Luke Bresette, the middle of five children, was killed. His brother, 5-year-old Tyler, suffered a concussion. His 8-year-old brother, Sam, had a broken leg and nose.
After the sign fell, it took six people to lift it and a dozen people to hold it up while first responders administered aid. Officials were investigating how the sign fell at the newly renovated airport.
The construction is being overseen by Brasfield & Gorrie Global Services Group.
"This is a terrible tragedy that none of us fully understand," the company said in a statement.