If you push me? I’d guess somewhere between 5 and 50 direct, immediate deaths on the construction site itself. But that’s a guess based on the size of the workforce and typical construction fatality rates. It’s not science.
The internet loves the 1,000 number because it’s juicy. It’s a great “did you know?” fact for a party. But the truth is messier. It’s a slow, grinding tragedy of exploited labor, not a single, bloody event.
So, next time you see that gleaming tower, remember: it’s made of steel, glass, and a whole lot of human sweat. Some of it ended in tears. The exact count? Well, that secret went up with the last spire.
Cheers, and drink your coffee a little slower today. Someone probably worked a double to pour it.
