A woman fell from the 13th floor of the Concerto apartment development, which will become Western Australia’s tallest building. Picture: Artist’s impression of the finished tower.

The 27-year-old German labourer fell down a ventilation shaft from the 13th floor of the Concerto apartment building at Adelaide Terrace.

She was rushed by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

She is believed to have been working on the site of the former ABC building, at 189 Adelaide Terrace, for several months.

A spokesman for Western Australia Police said officers were called to the site about 2.40pm yesterday. Police could not offer any new information but said Worksafe is investigating.

The West Australian reports work did not immediately stop after the incident.

WA Police arrive at the construction site on Adelaide Terrace where a woman fell to her death on Monday. Picture: Michael Genovese/TwitterSource:Twitter

CFMEU State Secretary Mick Buchan told the newspaper workers were “crying and upset” but he could not understand why work would continue.

“I’ve got to say we were absolutely blown away that they were still pouring concrete after 3.30pm here,” he said.

But a spokewoman for Worksafe said cement was removed from a mixer to prevent it “going off” and the action was “necessary”.

Work on the apartment complex, which will become Western Australia’s tallest tower, began in late 2015. The 38-storey building, comprising 226 New York-style studio apartments, is expected to open in 2017.

Developer Finbar have been approached for comment.