Building platform collapses, three killed

A 10-ton construction platform collapsed and crashed 13 stories onto a busy downtown street Monday, killing three people and crushing cars stopped in midday traffic.

Witnesses described hearing a rumble, then the crash of scaffolding that kicked up metal, dust and boards on Boylston Street, which runs along the south side of Boston Common.

The platform-lift system and scaffolding were set up atop a new building next to a 14-story dormitory being constructed by Emerson College. They had been used to install a stone facade and were being dismantled when the accident occurred, said acting Fire Commissioner Kevin MacCurtain.

Falling debris crushed a car, killing Michael Tsan Ty, 28, of Boston, police said. Two construction workers, Robert Beane, 41, of Baldwinville; and Romildo Silva, 27, of Somerville, also died in the accident. Two people were injured, said fire Lt. David Pfeil.

Sacramento, Calif.

Bill sets limits on air pollution

California is poised to become the first state in the nation to enforce a comprehensive limit on the air pollution that causes global warming, under legislation announced Monday.

The bill, which mirrors the goal set by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last summer, would limit greenhouse-gas pollution to 1990 levels by 2020 and require the state's Air Resources Board to establish a mandatory reporting system to track and monitor emission levels.

If it becomes law, the limit means power plants, refineries and other large scale consumers of gas, oil and coal would need to reduce use of those fuels, install costly equipment to prevent their byproducts from escaping into the air, or adopt cleaner, alternative energy technologies.

Proponents say the limit would spur development of those technologies, possibly subsidized by a new fee on gasoline sales.

Los Angeles

Father charged in childrens' deaths

The father of two young children found burned beyond recognition in a sport-utility vehicle will be booked on suspicion of murder, police said Monday.

Dae Kwon Yun, 54, was found near the SUV with severe burns on his face, hands and legs, authorities said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition Monday.

Yun and his wife had been separated for about two weeks, and he was living out of his vehicle, authorities said. Court documents show she filed for divorce March 28. "Detectives believe the killings were related to the estrangement of Yun and his wife," a police statement released Monday said.

Police believed the victims were 11-year-old Ashley and 10-year-old Alexander, but positive identification was difficult because the bodies were so severely burned.

It wasn't clear whether Yun had intended to kill himself along with his children and then changed his mind, said police Detective Vic Pietrantoni. "We need to talk to the father to find out what he was thinking," he said.

Denver

Transit strike closes light rail

Commuters hitched rides with friends, used taxis and rented cars Monday as Denver-area transit workers went on strike for the first time in 24 years.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) used private contractors to keep about 45 percent of its bus routes running, but closed light-rail operations and a shuttle service stretching along a downtown pedestrian mall. The transit system averages about 275,000 riders per weekday.

No new negotiations were scheduled. Union leaders had recommended approval of RTD's contract, which included a wage increase and improved health benefits. However, 55 percent of workers rejected the offer in a Sunday vote, triggering the strike.

Compiled from The Associated Press and Knight Ridder Newspapers