How many people died building the Empire State Building?

According to official records, five people died while constructing the Empire State Building. One was struck by a truck, another fell down an elevator shaft, a third was killed by explosives, a fourth struck by a hoist and the fifth fell from scaffolding.

The Empire State Building measures 1,454 feet from its base to the tip of the lightning rod. It has 102 floors and, at the time of construction in 1931, was the tallest building in the world. It held that title for over 40 years, until the north tower of the World Trade Center was built in 1972.