I’ve been on vacation — but death in the workplace takes no breaks. Over the last couple of weeks, two workers died in a trench collapses, machinery entanglements, electrocution, drowning, shootings, explosions, vehicle and mining incidents. On average, over 100 workers are killed every week in the United States due to traumatic injuries suffered at work. More than 20 times as many die from occupational diseases, many due to exposure to hazardous substances many years before they died. The few narratives below (gathered from almost 100 Google News searches) do not come close to capturing the full toll that work takes on the working people of this country. Nevertheless the accounts below gave you a taste of the preventable carnage occurring in workplaces across the country every day.
NDOT employee killed while working on highway near Grand Island
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Nebraska Department of Transportation employee was killed Tuesday while working on a road near Grand Island. The Nebraska State Patrol said the crash happened around 12:30 p.m. on Highway 34 near the Giltner Spur. NDOT and Hamilton County officials were helping clean up corn mash that had spilled on the road. A GMC Yukon was heading west on Highway 34 when the driver lost control and struck the worker, the patrol said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim identified in deadly explosion at Hornady plant near Grand Island
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office has identified the victim in Friday’s deadly explosion at Hornady Manufacturing west of Grand Island. The explosion was reported at 9:47 a.m. at the chemical compound building at the Hornady plant at 8318 W Old Potash Highway. That site is about four miles northwest of Alda on the site of the old Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant. Chief Investigator Adam Matzner said in a release that the victim was 32-year-old Adriana Alvarez, of Grand Island. The Hornady employee died at the scene as a result of the explosion. The explosion occurred during the mixing process of the primer compound. Her family released a statement saying she leaves behind a wife and daughter. They say that family was everything to her and she was the best wife and mom, taking pride in her little family.
One person killed in Pa. mining accident
Conemaugh Township, PA — A person died in a mining accident in Somerset County on Monday. According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the accident occurred at about 11 a.m. at the Maple Springs Mine in Conemaugh Township, which is listed as an underground coal mine controlled by JAZ Ventures. Brandon Frederick, 37, of Stonycreek Township, Cambria County, was working inside the mine when he was struck by a mining car and pinned against an interior wall, Somerset County Coroner Cullen Swank said.
Man dies after trench collapse
Jackson Hole, WY — Lorenzo Fuentes Cortes, 51, of Victor, Idaho died Monday after a trench he was working in collapsed Monday afternoon at 3 Creek Ranch, Teton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. A “middle-aged male” was pronounced dead at the scene around 4 p.m. after a waterline trench collapsed, said John Faicco, detective sergeant for the Teton County Sheriff’s Office. His name is not being released until his family is notified. This is the latest in a series of similar incidents in the region. A trench collapse killed two workers in Jackson in September 2018. Juan Baez-Sanchez, 42, and Victoriano Garcia-Perez, 56, suffocated when a trench collapsed on top of them at a residential site just west of Jackson. About four months ago, longtime Jackson resident Gale Roberts died June 9 after a trench collapsed while he was working to install a French drain on his Sublette County property. The 63-year-old was trying to prevent water from a nearby ditch from seeping into his crawl space.
Utility Worker Killed in Trench Collapse on San Francisco Street
San Francisco, CA — firefighters recovered a utility worker’s body from under 8 feet of a collapsed sidewalk and dirt on Oak Street in Lower Haight after a trench rescue attempt, fire officials said Thursday. The victim was working in a trench on a sewer project when the street above him collapsed. A statement from San Francisco’s Public Utilities Commission and Department of Works at 3 p.m. said the victim was a D’Arcy & Harty Construction contractor working on the commission’s Panhandle and Inner Sunset Large Sewer Rehabilitation Project. He was later identified as 25-year-old Javier Romero from Alameda County. The project is upgrading and replacing existing sewers in the area, the statement said. Public Works is managing construction on the project.
Dream ends in tragedy for young Guatemalan worker killed in construction accident
New Bedford, MA — Josué Tiquiram left his family farm in Guatemala 18 months ago in pursuit of a way to provide for his parents and seven young siblings. His journey spanned 3,000 miles, taking him through dense jungles and vast deserts before he arrived in New Bedford, where he found the means to support his family in the construction industry. That journey came to an abrupt end earlier this month. Josué, 24, was killed Sept. 6 on a sprawling, dusty worksite in East Freetown. His head was crushed between the arms of an industrial machine that is used to sift gravel from dirt. He was not wearing a helmet. The company, John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc., a family-owned business that specializes in paving roads and cement work, declined to comment.
Construction worker dies in accident at Corrigan OSB plant
Lufkin, TX — A construction worker died Wednesday at the Corrigan OSB plant, according to a press release from Brooke Taylor, media contact for RoyOMartin. Samuel McNeely was performing contracted work at the facility during the fatal accident, according to Scott Poole, president and chief operating officer of RoyOMartin Lumber Co. Deputies and Allegiance EMS personnel responded to the scene around 8:30 a.m. in reference to a worker who had fallen from an overhead beam and was not breathing, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Construction worker dies in Elkhart County incident
ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – A construction worker died in Elkhart County on Friday after getting caught in machinery, according to the Elkhart County Coroner. The coroner identified the victim as 49-year-old Rodolfo Nunez of Decatur, Indiana. Around 3 p.m., emergency crews responded to the 17000 block of U.S. 20, where they learned Nunez was cleaning a paving machine when he got caught in the auger. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner deemed the incident accidental.
Body of missing barge worker found in Mississippi River
New Orleans, LA — Less than a day after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing barge worker who fell in the Mississippi River near the Huey P. Long Bridge on Saturday, the body of 55-year-old Darrell Roberson was found. According to officials from the Port of New Orleans, Harbor Police recovered Roberson on Monday afternoon in the river near Harahan, La.
Man dies after being trapped in northwest Iowa grain bin
MITCHELL, IA — A northern Iowa man has died after getting trapped inside a grain bin. Mitchell County Sheriff Gregory Beaver said in a Facebook posting that officers responded to a 911 call Wednesday afternoon at a grain bin. First responders arrived to find 69-year-old Dennis Ray Fischer of Mitchell trapped in the bin. Rescuers tried “for an extended period of time” to free Fischer. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It wasn’t immediately clear how Fischer became trapped. Beaver urged farmers at harvest time to be aware of the danger of becoming trapped in a grain bin.
Bicknell man killed in incident at recycling group
BICKNELL, Ind. (WTHI) – One man in southern Indiana has died in what’s being called a workplace incident. Thursday night, News 10 received information from the Knox Coroner, Joe Millspaugh Jr. He says Oscar Sanders, 64, died in an accident at Scepter Inc. in Bicknell. Officials say emergency workers responded to a “workplace incident” Thursday just after 3 p.m. at the company. Millspaugh says he’ll be working with the Knox County Sheriff’s office to investigate the incident. An autopsy is scheduled to help determine the precise cause of Sander’s death. Scepter Inc. is a company that specializes in recycling all types of aluminum scrap and dross.
Worker dies from electrocution while working at Utah Chick-fil-A restaurant
RIVERTON, Utah — A man died from electrocution Wednesday while working on an appliance at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant. The incident occurred at the fast-food chain’s “Mountain View Village” location in Riverton. Police say the victim, a 38-year-old electrician, was working on a dishwasher inside the restaurant just before noon when he was severely electrocuted. They said it appeared he was not a direct employee of Chick-fil-A, but a contractor. Paramedics with the Unified Fire Department worked to resuscitate him, but they could not immediately transport him to a hospital due to the severity of the electrocution, according to Riverton Police. He was pronounced dead after about 30 minutes of lifesaving attempts.
1 dead after crane topples at construction site in Florida
Orange County, FL — A person trapped under a crane has died after the device fell on top of them during an industrial accident in Florida, authorities said. The accident happened at approximately 3:16 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon at a construction site on Heather Moss Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. “A crane at a construction site overturned and fell down an embankment,” authorities said. “One person was transported to the hospital, where they later died.” Officials said they believe OSHA will be investigating the industrial accident and what caused it, according to a post on social media from Orange County Fire and Rescue.
Man killed in heavy machinery crash in Hamilton identified
HAMILTON, Ohio (WXIX) – The man killed in a heavy machinery crash on Tuesday in Hamilton has been identified. Jacob Moler, 25, of Mt. Orab, died from multiple traumatic injuries, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office. Moler and another man, who has not been identified, were operating the 30,000-pound machine near Meijer and Skyline Chili when it crashed around 4 p.m., Hamilton officers at the scene said. Moler died while the other man was taken to the hospital and later airlifted to another hospital, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The other man’s condition is unknown. An OSHA representative said the men were working at a site along Old Oxford Road when the rubber tire roller had a malfunction that prevented it from stopping. The two men rode the roller down Old Oxford Road before turning into the grass. The machine flipped and began rolling in the grass, breaking multiple pieces off, including four tires.
Death at Powell construction site under investigation
POWELL, Tenn. (WATE) — State authorities are investigating a workplace fatality that occurred in Knox County on Tuesday. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) received a report of a workplace fatality at a construction site in the Mockingbird Meadows Drive area off of Emory Road in Powell. The identity of the victim has not yet been released. A state investigator is at the site to determine the circumstances of the worker’s death. Knox County Rural Metro Fire responded to the incident around 12:30 p.m. It said it appeared a man was operating earthmoving equipment Tuesday afternoon when the equipment rolled over and ejected him. The equipment continued rolling and then crushed him.
Worker dies after falling from forklift at Abington recycling company, DA says
ABINGTON, Mass. — Authorities are investigating a deadly industrial accident at a waste management company on Tuesday afternoon. Officers responding to Troupe Waste and Recycling on Bedford Street around 1:40 p.m. for a report of an employee who fell off a forklift found a man had sustained serious injuries, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. The victim was transported to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He’s been identified as 67-year-old Donald Schaefer of Braintree. A preliminary investigation shows Schaefer was working with two other men to offload multiple steel container bottoms using a forklift. Officials say Schaefer was standing on top of one of the loads to provide a counterweight when unfortunately the load shifted and he fell to the ground. Several of the steel container bottoms fell on top of Schaefer.
L&I probes worker’s death in East Wenatchee fruit storage room
EAST WENATCHEE, WA — The state is investigating the death of a fruit storage worker inside a controlled atmosphere chamber in East Wenatchee. The incident occurred Sunday, when 61-year-old Randy Washut was found unresponsive at the Stemilt Growers facility, 88 S. Ward St. near Pangborn Memorial Airport. Washut was employed by Pace International, which manages the chemical balance in low-oxygen controlled atmosphere rooms for Stemilt, where fruit is preserved for shipping and marketing. Washut apparently entered the CA room alone and was later found unresponsive by a coworker, about 9:25 a.m. Sunday. He was declared dead at the scene. Alongside refrigeration, controlled atmosphere storage involves adding carbon dioxide and reducing oxygen levels to chambers where fruit is housed, in order to slow spoilage. One person with knowledge of the situation told NCWLIFE that Pace workers were required to check each room with an oxygen meter before entering.
Garbage company worker killed in Fairfield accident
Fairfield, CT — A 28-year-old man was fatally hit by a garbage truck while working in Fairfield Wednesday. It happened just after 7 a.m. on Campfield Drive. Two United Carting Company workers were picking up trash when one of the workers was hit by the truck. Fairfield Police Lt. Edward Nook said the man, Bryan Rodriguez, of Stratford, was pronounced dead after first responders arrived to the scene.
N.C. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division investigates after construction worker dies
STOKESDALE, N.C. — The State Department of Labor is investigating a death after a construction worker was cut by a saw. The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office says the death happened at the “Yates Construction Company” Saturday morning. We were told the employee was using a saw on a job site in Stokesdale when they suffered the cut. Investigators say they do not believe the worker’s death is suspicious. The North Carolina Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division has opened an investigation into the death.
Franklin plant where Trotwood woman died in accident has had ‘significant issues,’ OSHA says
Dayton, OH — The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is investigating the death of a Trotwood woman who died just after midnight Saturday at the Forvia auto parts manufacturing plant. Ken Montgomery, area director of the federal OSHA area office in Cincinnati, said the woman climbed underneath a machine for a job-related task when the machine was activated. “This is unfortunate for everyone,” he said. “Many industrial accidents can be prevented.” Montgomery said Forvia has had “significant issues” over the years. Since 2013, there have been five reports requiring OSHA intervention and inspection, according to the OSHA website. Forvia was formerly known as Faurecia.
Truck driver killed in North Pueblo derailment, I-25 closed in both directions
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — A deadly train derailment has closed portions of Interstate 25 in North Pueblo. Colorado State Patrol says the semi-truck driver caught under the derailment has died. The truck driver was initially said to be trapped in the Sunday afternoon crash on I-25, but on Monday the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office said Lafollette Henderson, 60, of Compton, Calif., died on scene. Large amounts of coal can be seen on the bridge and road as emergency crews work to clear it and reopen it as soon as possible.
Employee Died From Suicide by Shooting at Dell Technologies
Round Rock, TX — Last Friday, a tragic event occurred at the Dell Technologies facility in Round Rock Texas, in which an employee tragically committed suicide in the parking lot. The incident left the local community in shock and prompted a comprehensive investigation by local law enforcement. This incident serves as a reminder of the urgency of addressing mental health issues in the workplace, in addition to the immediate loss of life. The tragic incident occurred at the Round Rock premises of the world-renowned tech giant Dell Technologies when an employee tragically took their own life after succumbing to a gunshot wound to the head. Responding to a call of a gunshot victim, Round Rock police, EMS and Round Rock fire department personnel discovered the employee, who had self-injured gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, the employee was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident marks the first known instance of an employee taking their own life at the Round Rock location of Dell Technologies. The repercussions of this tragedy have reverberated throughout the local area, leaving many to question the cause of the tragedy.
Officer killed in shooting at Philadelphia International Airport; second officer wounded
PHILADELPHIA, PA – A Philadelphia police officer, Officer Richard Mendez, was killed late Thursday night and another was injured after a shooting inside a parking garage at the Philadelphia International Airport. Both officers had just arrived to work at the airport, when Interim Commissioner John Stanford says they came across a group of suspects attempting to break into a vehicle in the garage. The officers approached the suspects who proceeded to open fire. One of the officers was shot multiple times in the torso and the other was shot in the arm. The officer who was hit multiple times was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced dead just after 11:30 p.m., Stanford said. The second officer was taken to Jefferson Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.
56-year-old cafeteria worker identified as employee fatally shot on Fort Worth ISD campus
Fort Worth, TX — The Fort Worth ISD elementary school worker who was fatally shot on campus Wednesday has been identified. Yolanda Gibbs, 56, worked in the cafeteria at David K. Sellars Elementary School in Forest Hill for 30 years, her family told Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV. Gibbs died Wednesday morning after being shot multiple times in the back parking lot of the school.
Garbage truck driver killed after tire failure in Lewis County
DIANA, NY — A Jefferson County man was killed when his garbage truck had a tire failure on Route 3 in Lewis County, causing it to crash onto the driver’s side Thursday afternoon, according to the New York State Police. Troopers said Shawn R. Cummins, 35, of Carthage, was southbound on Route 3 in a 2004 International garbage truck at about 5:11 p.m. when there was a rear right tire failure and he lost control of the vehicle. Troopers said the truck crossed the oncoming lane, went off the east shoulder and fell onto its driver’s side. Cummins was found unresponsive in the vehicle and he was rushed to an area hospital, where authorities said he was pronounced dead.
Taco truck owner killed during attempted robbery in SE Houston: HPD
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man in his 20s is dead after an early-morning shooting at a southeast Houston taco truck. Police said the victim, who owned the taco truck, was trying to fight off a robber. The deadly shooting happened at 3:50 a.m. at a Chevron gas station where the taco truck was parked along the I-45 Gulf Freeway near Monroe Road. The employees were closing up for the night when a man got inside the truck and demanded money, according to HPD. All three men were reportedly held at gunpoint. A fight broke out between the truck’s owner and the robber, police said. The fight spilled outside of the truck, and that’s when shots were fired. The owner was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Worker Struck and Killed on West Street
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A worker died Thursday after being struck by a vehicle in a construction zone on West Street. Police say Shane Cassavant, 49, of Lanesborough was working in the roadway when he was struck by an eastbound 2015 Chevrolet Colorado operated by Edward Ladouceur, 87, of Pittsfield, who entered the construction zone. Cassavant was taken to Berkshire Medical Center where he later died of his injuries. The crash was reported at about 7:52 a.m. in the area of 777 West St.; police, fire, and Action Ambulance responded. Prior to the crash, the eastbound lane was closed to traffic for construction and vehicles were being directed into the westbound lane by a flagger just west of Tor Court. Police did not provide what work Cassavant was doing or who he was working for.
Driver killed in fiery toll booth crash on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
RICHMOND, CA — A truck driver was killed after crashing into the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll booth, forcing significant closures in the westbound direction of Interstate 580, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision, reported just before 10 p.m. Monday, occurred when a semi-truck driver hit a toll booth at the bridge’s east end in Richmond. The fiery crash killed the driver, the CHP said. No further details were immediately made available Tuesday.
Construction Worker Killed At Beverly Hills High School
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — A construction worker was killed Friday morning at Beverly Hills High School, district officials said. Officers were dispatched to the school just before 7:30 a.m. Friday. They began life-saving measures before the worker was taken to a local hospital, Beverly Hills Police Department Lt. said Reginald Evans. Officials did not reveal the nature of the construction worker’s death, but Evans said foul play is not suspected.
NJ Man Killed In Falls Twp. Industrial Accident
FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA —A 52-year-old Trenton, N.J., man has been killed in an industrial accident in the Keystone Trade Center Monday morning, police said. The Falls Township Police Department responded at 8:30 a.m. Monday to Mazza Steel, 60 Solar Dr., Morrisville, in the Keystone Trade Center to investigate an industrial accident. Police said the preliminary investigation determined that a 32-year-old male resident of Quakertown Borough, who is an employee with Mazza Steel, was operating a front-end loader when accidentally drove over 52-year-old Oscar C. Martinez Bravo, 52, of Trenton, N.J., died from multiple injuries. Bravo is an employee of Mazza Steel, and was engaged in a work-related task, unrelated to the operation of the front end loader.
73-year-old pilot killed after helicopter crashes in New Hampshire
CROYDON. NH — Officials are investigating a helicopter crash that killed a pilot in New Hampshire on Sunday night. Around 10:30 p.m. authorities were notified of a helicopter crash in Croydon in the area of Pine Hill Rd. New Hampshire Fish & Game says JBI Helicopter Services reported a helicopter departed their location in Croydon around 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The helicopter service says it was scheduled to arrive in Rhode Island but shortly after it departed, employees were not able to track its location. Croydon Fire Chief Jason Rook said the plane crashed into a heavily wooded area near the takeoff site. Crews searched for hours for the helicopter and it was located around 1:50 a.m. on Monday. The solo occupant, the pilot, Carl Svenson, 73, of Loudon was found dead in the heavily damaged helicopter, the NH Fish and Game Department said. Svenson had been a pilot for about 50 years and started working for JBI Helicopter Services in the 1980′s.
Employee killed in West Covina liquor store robbery, shooting
West Covina, CA — One person was shot and killed at a liquor store in West Covina on Oct. 8, 2023. Officers arrived to find the 34-year-old employee suffering from gunshot wounds outside the store. The unidentified victim was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. An investigation revealed two men entered the store and stole merchandise. The clerk confronted the men and at least one shot at the victim, authorities said.
VDOT safety patrol worker killed in two-vehicle crash in Hampton
HAMPTON, Va. (WRIC) — A VDOT safety service patroller was killed on impact in a two-vehicle crash on the shoulder of Interstate 64 in the early morning hours on Sunday, according to State Police. At about 1:17 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, the State Police Communications Center received a call about a two-vehicle crash on I-64 East at the Big Ethel overpass in Hampton. The caller said the crash involved a VDOT Safety Service Patrol truck and another vehicle. State Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the VDOT Safety Service Patrol truck, a Ford F250, pulled over onto the right shoulder to assist with a disabled vehicle. The service truck had its arrow board lit and a safety service patroller, 52-year-old Craig Boone was outside of the truck helping with the disabled vehicle.
Shortly after, 27-year-old Alana F. Diomande was driving east, ran off the road, crossed over the fog line and into the right shoulder, sideswiping the service truck and hitting Boone. State Police said Boone was killed on impact.
Chicago tow truck driver ambushed and shot to death on the job
CHICAGO, IL — The search for the gunman who shot and killed a military veteran continues. The 28-year-old tow truck driver was hauling away a re-possessed vehicle when gunmen ambushed him. The homicide stems from an unscheduled vehicle re-possession in the middle of the night. The tow truck’s license plate readers notified the driver of a vehicle that needed to be towed. He stopped and began his usual procedure of calling the police and contacting the vehicle owner. “There was a peaceful exchange. The owner ended up giving him the keys.” Twenty-eight-year-old Jack Jacobson left with the vehicle hooked up to his truck. At some point, Glasgow said Jacobson was surrounded by multiple people. The military veteran was shot multiple times and died from his injuries.
WENDY’S EMPLOYEE MURDERED ON THE JOB IN RESTAURANT
Charlotte, NC –On October 6, 2023 a male victim identified as Jkarri Anderson was shot and killed at his job. Jkarri worked at the Wendy’s restaurant on WT Harris Blvd in the 3700 block near West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte, NC. At 5:30 p.m. Jkarri and one of his Wendy’s co-workers got into a fight on the job in the Wendy’s. During the fight, Jkarri was shot. The gunfire terrified customers in the restaurant and in the drive-thru. Paramedics rushed to the scene and took Jkarri to the hospital. Jkarri died after arriving at the hospital.
Daniel Dennis Riordan Killed in Semi-Truck Accident in Sherburne County, MN
Sherburne County, MN — September 28, 2023, Daniel Dennis Riordan was killed in a semi-truck-SUV crash on southbound Highway 25 and County Road 16 in Sherburne County, MN. Authorities indicate that on September 28, a fatal crash occurred when a semi-truck and an SUV collided in Sherburne County for unknown reasons. According to reports, the crash happened at approximately 2:36 in the afternoon. Investigators say the semi-truck was traveling south along Highway 25 when it made contact with an SUV heading east on County Road 16. Police say the two vehicles collided, killing one person. Officials confirmed that the SUV driver, 77-year-old Daniel Dennis Riordan, suffered fatal injuries. Authorities have not released the cause of the crash, and additional details are not available at this time.
Truck Driver Killed in Highway Sign Accident on U.S. Route 31 West in Elizabethtown, KY
Elizabethtown, KY — September 29, 2023, a truck driver was killed in a highway sign crash on the U.S. Route 31 West Bypass in Elizabethtown, KY. Authorities indicate that on September 29, a fatal accident occurred when a truck hit a highway sign in Elizabethtown. According to reports, the crash happened just before 8:00 in the morning. Investigators say the truck was traveling along Route 31 West Bypass when it struck the overhead highway sign, causing it to come crashing down on the road. Authorities have not released the cause of the accident at this time. Officials confirmed that the truck driver, whose name has not been released, suffered fatal injuries. No other injuries were reported.
SENECA FOOD PLANT EMPLOYEE KILLED IN WAREHOUSE INCIDENT
Montgomery, MN — An employee is dead after an accident at the Seneca Foods plant in Montgomery in Le Sueur County. Montgomery police responded to a call Thursday morning of a worker trapped under a fallen item in a warehouse. Officers say the victim did not survive their injuries. Minnesota OSHA is investigating the incident at Seneca Foods. Authorities have identified the employee who died while working at Seneca Foods plant in Montgomery as 58-year-old Jose Luis Alvarado.
A worker died while on the job at an industrial plant in East Toledo
Toledo, OH — Gilbert Mowery, 59, died Wednesday night at the flour mill owned by snack and beverage company Mondelez International at 2221 Front St. after sustaining injuries from a fall, the Toledo Police Department said in a report. Dwayne Wolf, a deputy Lucas County coroner, said Mr. Mowery died from multiple blunt-force injuries. The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department was dispatched to the flour mill about 7:30 p.m., said Pvt. Sterling Rahe, public information officer for the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department. While first responders were giving him aid, they later determined the injuries “were not compatible with life,” Private Rahe said.
Falmouth employee dies after crashing town pickup truck
Falmouth, MA — A worker for the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts, died after crashing a Department of Public Works pickup truck Wednesday, officials said. The truck crashed into a tree off Davisville Road about 2:19 p.m., Falmouth police said Thursday. The driver, a town employee who wasn’t identified, was critically hurt and died at Falmouth Hospital. Police are investigating what caused the crash, officials said.
Worker dies after injury at German Village construction site
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A construction worker died after an injury at a construction site in German Village on Wednesday. According to the Columbus Division of Fire, first responders were called to Jaeger and East Kossuth streets for a report of an injury around 10:50 a.m. The worker was taken to Grant Medical Center where they were pronounced dead. Officials have not released any details what led up to the worker’s death. A spokesperson for CK Construction, the company that manages the construction site, said that the person who died was an employee of a subcontractor working on the project.
Tanker truck driver killed trying to avoid wreck with NCDOT truck on US 264 in Nash County, trooper says
BAILEY, N.C. (WNCN) — A diesel tanker driver was ejected from his cab and killed Tuesday on U.S. 264 East near Exit 11 (N.C. 581/Oak Avenue) in Nash County. According to N.C. State Highway Patrol First Sgt. Damon Pope, around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, an N.C. Department of Transportation truck was pulling into the left lane of U.S. 264 from the median and then attempted to merge to the right lane. This merger caused the fuel tanker and other vehicles to take evasive actions in order not to hit the NCDOT truck. The tanker ended up going into the median, Pope said. That’s when the driver was ejected.
Trucker dies from injuries in Route 28 crash, driver charged with manslaughter
Loudoun County, VA — Cesar Yepez has died from the injuries he sustained Sept. 18 in a fiery crash on Route 28. Police say the crash was caused by another driver who was racing. Following Yepez’ death, José Antonio Padilla Espinoza, the driver who allegedly caused the crash, was charged Oct. 2 with involuntary manslaughter and other driving offenses related to the crash, according to an Oct. 3 news release from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Padilla Espinoza, 18, who police say admitted he was racing and lost control, was initially arrested and charged with driving without insurance, and driving with altered/forged license plates. In addition to involuntary manslaughter, the new charges include aggressive driving, reckless driving, improper passing, and failure to obey highway markings.
Truck driver killed in Andover accident
ANDOVER, NY — The New York State Police reported Monday that a truck driver was killed in an accident in the town of Andover on Thursday. Investigation reportedly determined that a 2003 International tractor was traveling north on Route 22 and crossed over the intersection of Route 417 at a high rate of speed. The truck struck the guiderail and overturned, causing the operator to be ejected. The driver was identified as Michael D. Potter, 41, of Addison.
Knox County deputy dead after shooting in the line of duty
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a deputy who was fatally shot after responding to a domestic incident late Sunday. Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler announced Monday evening that 29-year-old deputy Tucker Blakely has died after he was shot while responding to a domestic call in the Hardin Valley area around 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Deputies responded to the 3200 block of Denver Lane where they encountered “an armed individual” at the residence. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, preliminary information indicates that shots were fired by both the individual and “at least one of the
Six Flags Over Georgia employee killed in ‘car accident’ in the park
Atlanta, GA — Authorities say an actor in the park’s fright fest died after falling out of a van. There were seven people and the driver. Police say this was a cargo van. They were not in seats, not buckled in. They were sitting in the back when one woman fell out while the van was moving. “It’s a cargo van, so there are no seats back there. At some point, making a maneuver in the park, one of the passengers was ejected from the van and sustained serious severe head trauma,” said Cobb County Police Sgt. Wayne Delk. Andrea Crook, 43, of Villa Rica, was identified as that passenger.
Correctional officer dies after attack from inmate at Georgia prison, officials say
TATTNALL COUNTY, Ga. – Officials say a correctional officer at a Georgia prison is dead after he was attacked by an inmate with a homemade weapon, WTOC reports. Correctional Officer Robert Clark, 42, was escorting two inmates from the Smith State Prison dining hall Sunday when one inmate, identified as Layton Lester, allegedly assaulted Clark from behind with a homemade weapon. The other inmate tried to step in to assist Clark but was also assaulted, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Clark and the inmate who assisted him were both taken to local hospitals. Clark died at the hospital from his injuries, while the inmate remains hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
USPS postal worker killed in hit-and-run crash in north Houston; driver involved sought
HOUSTON, TX – A 29-year-old postal worker was killed in a hit-and-run crash in north Houston Saturday. Houston police said the crash happened at 243 Julia Street. HPD commanders, Vehicular Crimes and PIO are en route to 243 Julia Street for a reported fatality crash. Suspect fled the scene and one person was pronounced deceased. According to Patricia Cantu, Assistant Chief with HPD, they were called around 3 p.m. to the intersection of Julia and Bauman. Cantu said they have video footage of a postal vehicle attempting to make a left hand turn onto Bauman when an impatient driver of a white Ford Expedition tried to go around him. The Ford clipped the postal vehicle, pushing it into a ditch where the vehicle fell on the worker after he was ejected. “It looks like when it moved forward into the ditch, the video looks like maybe he flipped out of the truck, you know how they have the doors open, that’s what it looks like,” Cantu said.
Five people killed after truck carrying toxic substance overturns in Illinois
Teutopolis, Il — Five people, including two children, are confirmed to have died after a semitruck carrying a toxic substance overturned in Illinois, releasing a cloud of ammonia that prompted the evacuation of area residents, authorities said on Saturday. Kim Rhodes, the Effingham county coroner, confirmed to the station WCIA that the fatalities were a result of Friday night’s accident in Teutopolis, Illinois. Rhodes said the children and one adult were from one family; of the other people who died, one was from Missouri and the other was a semitruck driver from Ohio who was passing the crash scene. The Illinois environmental protection agency (IEPA) said the tanker was carrying approximately 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia, and early estimates indicate approximately 4,000 gallons had been released. The state agency added that approximately 500 individuals have been evacuated from the area due to the leak
Beam collapses killing worker near IU Methodist on Indy’s near north side
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – An OSHA investigation is underway after a man died in an industrial accident near IU Health Methodist Hospital Saturday morning on Indy’s near north side. Police say they were called to the intersection of West 16th and North Senate Avenue around 4:45 a.m. on the report of a beam collapse. Police say a man died as a result of the accident. According to police, a piece of the old IU Health People Mover Tram System was found lying across four lanes right next to the IU School of Medicine.
Richland County sheriff’s deputy killed in fatal collision
Richland County, SC — A deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department was killed in a collision on Bluff Road Friday evening. Deputy Jacob Eric Salrin died after a vehicle collision while on duty, according to a statement released by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. He was 23 years old.
Road construction worker in Northampton County dies after falling off equipment
JACKSON, N.C. (WNCN) — A 57-year-old road construction worker died Friday morning after falling off a piece of equipment. Around 11:11 a.m. on Friday, the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office responded to an accident at a construction zone on U.S. 158 outside of Garysburg. The man died from injuries that he suffered from the fall. Upon investigation, it was determined to be no suspicion of foul play. “This is a sad and unfortunate incident, our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” the sheriff’s office said.
Truck driver killed in rollover crash on I-95 south in Old Lyme
Old Lyme, CT — A truck driver has died after a rollover crash on Interstate 95 south in Old Lyme on Friday. Troopers said 63-year-old Michael Allen Finkeldey, of Westbrook, was on the highway just south of exit 71 around 1:30 p.m. when he hit the truck in front of him. According to state police, Finkeldey’s truck then crossed into the right shoulder, hit the guard rail and rolled onto its passenger side. During the incident, Finkeldey was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
1 dead after US 31W Bypass crash in Elizabethtown, all lanes closed due to fallen overhead sign
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — The driver of a commercial vehicle is dead after they ran into the truss holding up an overhead sign above the roadway. This caused the sign to fall, blocking all lanes of the major roadway in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. It’s now closed in both directions. Chris Denhem, PIO for Elizabethtown Police, said the SRM Concrete mixer truck lost control in the northbound lanes of the US 31W Bypass around 8 a.m. The southbound vehicle hit the concrete support pillar for the sign, which caused it to fall into the southbound lanes. The driver of the commercial vehicle, 26-year-old Dillon Pulaski, was the only person in the vehicle.
Colo. state parole officer killed in hit-and-run incident
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Two Colorado parole officers were struck by a vehicle in a Colorado Springs intersection they were walking across. According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, two parole officers were hit and both were transported to a local hospital. Parole Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval died from her injuries. “Christine was a mother, she was a daughter, she was a wife and she was a protector,” Colorado Corrections Chief Andre Stancil said during a news conference. “Christine took an oath and that oath was to protect the citizens of the state of Colorado, and she lost her life doing just that.” The second officer was taken to a hospital where she was treated and released. Just before 4 p.m. Thursday, three parole officers were attempting to serve the suspect, Justin Kula, a warrant while he was in a vehicle in a shopping center parking lot. Kula struck Guerin Sandoval and another female parole officer with his vehicle as he made his escape, according to authorities.
Worker dies of injuries as investigation into Toppenish fire continues
Toppenish, WA — A worker who was injured in a fire near Toppenish has died, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The man died in the burn unit of Harborview Medical Center, Toppenish Fire Department Chief Timothy B. Smith confirmed in a news release. The identity of the man, who worked for Sapphire Gas Solutions of Conroe, Texas, hadn’t been released as of early Tuesday evening. He was found west of the reported fire and explosion in the 600 block of Buena Way, in the area of the former Utah and Idaho Sugar factory site on the northern edge of Toppenish. The fire department responded at 10:26 a.m. Friday. The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries, Cascade Natural Gas, Sapphire Gas Solutions and other regulatory agencies, Smith said. “I can say that it was not an equipment failure or an intentional act,” Smith said.
One killed in Lancaster County tree-trimming incident
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – A man has died after a tree trimming incident in Lancaster County on Tuesday. According to Manor Township Police, a tree-trimming employee was killed by a falling limb near the intersection of Redwood Drive and Stone Mill Road around 12:30 p.m. Police say the victim was stuck in a ladder bucket after part of a tree fell on him. Firefighters used a ladder truck to reach the man and determined he was deceased. The Lancaster County Coroner’s office identified the worker as 42-year-old Danh Tran of Mount Wolf and said he died of mechanical asphyxia. Police say the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.
Construction worker dies after being struck by semi on I-84
Jerome County, ID — A semi-truck crashed through barricades in a construction zone Saturday evening on Interstate 84 and struck a construction worker, killing him, reports say. Michael Martindale, 22, of Filer, was struck by a westbound Freightliner driven by a 75-year-old man from Anaheim, California, at about 7:30 p.m. at milepost 183 in Jerome County after the vehicle went into a closed lane of travel in the construction zone, police say. After striking Martindale, the semi continued westbound, striking a Ford Ranger pickup truck before coming to rest. Nathan Jerke, spokesperson for the Idaho Transportation Department, told the Times-News that the semi-truck went through barricades before entering the construction zone. Martindale, whose identity was released by the Jerome County Coroner’s Office, died at the scene.
Flagger Force employee dies after being hit by a car on Carter School Road in early September
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A traffic control worker who was hit by a car in early September has died, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department. On Friday, officers say Catlin Edward Fausnet died from his injuries sustained during the crash. On Sept. 5, the Winston-Salem Police Department responded to a car crash involving a pedestrian. When they arrived, they said they found Fausnet suffering from serious injuries. Investigators say the driver was traveling north on Carter School Road. Fausnet was employed by Flagger Force and was working to close lanes of Carver School Road when he stepped into the northbound lane, which was not closed at the time, and was hit.