Fireworks, death punctuate the re-dedication celebration of the Utah State Capitol Building

The scaffolding has been removed, the dust has been swept away, and after 3 years and $227 million (US$) the Utah State Capitol building was re-dedicated today with a celebration culminating in a grand fireworks show. The re-dedication ceremony began at 2 pm and many of the elements of the ceremony were an homage to the original dedication ceremony held some 93 years ago. The State Capitol building was closed in 2003 for extensive renovations, including structural work to bring the building into alignment with current safety codes for earthquakes, as well as to restore many of the original decorative elements. The historic celebration was marred by the discovery of a deceased construction worker who had been working in a sub-basement of the building prior to the ceremony. Investigators have not yet released the cause of death, however a representative of the Utah Highway Patrol has indicated that an industrial accident is suspected.