Three people are dead and two injured after an ‘industrial accident’ at a construction site in North Carolina (Picture: WSOC)

Three construction workers fell to their death when scaffolding collapsed at their work site.

The incident happened on the 700 block of East Morehead Street in the business district of Charlotte, North Carolina, shortly after 9am on Monday, according to the Charlotte Fire Department. The department called it an ‘industrial accident’.

Collapsed scaffolding was on the ground and three of the workers were pronounced dead at the scene, said Fire Captain Jackie Gilmore.

The three workers dropped 70 feet, officials told WCNC.

Two more construction workers were taken to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center after sustaining minor injuries.

Work at the construction site halted for investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to look into the incident.

A family reunification are was set up near the site.

A luxury senior living complex is being built at the site where the workers fell, the Queen City News reported. However, the developer based in Houston, the Bridgewood Property Company, stated that the accident took place at a different address.

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Two more construction workers were transported to a nearby hospital.