ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – At least four workers fell to their deaths and another one was injured in Duhok on Wednesday, after their construction hoist collapsed, raising the total number of worker fatalities in the province to eight since the beginning of the year.

Head of the Construction Workers' Union in Duhok Province Kevi Bamerni told The New Region that the workers were working on a project, and “while ascending to an upper floor of the building using the main hoist, they fell. Tragically, four workers lost their lives and one was injured."

The incident took place before noon, when five workers boarded a hoist to install glass panels on a building near the 12th floor. Part of the hoist broke off, leading four workers to fall to their deaths, The New Region’s correspondent in Duhok Zaid Taha reported.

The fifth worker managed to leap into the building and was left injured, according to Taha.

The bodies were transferred to Duhok Forensic Medicine, where they will be handed back to their families following autopsy procedures. Meanwhile, the injured worker remains in hospital under medical supervision.

All deceased workers were under the age of 26 years, with the youngest reportedly being 17.

Head of the Duhok branch of the Kurdistan Region Workers' Union Wlat Osmani told The New Region "Since the beginning of this year, eight workers have lost their lives in Duhok while on duty — two due to electrocution, the four workers of today, and two others due to falling."