How workers died last week. Trench Collapse, train derailment, plane and helicopter crashes, falls, tree care, shootings, vehicle 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. P.S: Not a good week to be working in Texas.
Two crew members killed as UP train hits truck and derails in Texas
Pecos, Texas — Two crew members were killed in the derailment of a Union Pacific train in Pecos, Texas, on Dec. 18, 2024. Screen shot from Reeves County video.
PECOS, Texas — Two crew members have died after a Union Pacific train collided with a tractor-trailer truck on Wednesday (Dec. 18) and derailed, sending railcars into a trackside building. The second death, of an individual who had been transported to Odessa, Texas, in serious condition, occurred this morning, officials said during a press conference today. Pecos Police Chief Lisa Tarango said the deceased workers were “veteran employees” of the railroad. Union Pacific has identified them as engineer Clay Burt, 63, an employee since 1998, and conductor Phillip Araujo, 47, who had been with the railroad since 2012. The incident occurred about 5 p.m. with a collision near Oak and Dot Stafford streets, and led to derailed cars hitting the Pecos Chamber of Commerce building, a former Texas & Pacific Railway station. Video circulating widely on social media shows the train hitting a truck carrying an oversized load that was blocking the grade crossing;
City of Albany worker dead after on-the-job accident
Albany, GA — An Albany, Georgia public works employee was killed when a sewer trench collapsed on two city employees. One of the workers was taken to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital to receive treatment for injures, but the second employee, , 28-year-old Sebastian Dykes, did not survive. Wednesday night, rescue crews dug frantically with a backhoe for hours, trying to recover Dykes. His body was recovered shortly before 10 p.m.
Worker dies in industrial accident at Andrews County oil rig
ANDREWS COUNTY, Texas — A 35-year-old male is dead following what authorities described as an industrial accident. According to the Andrews County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:48 p.m. Dec. 12 to an oil rig off State Highway 176, roughly 14 miles outside the city limits of Andrews. When deputies arrived at the location, identified as Sendero Rig 103, they said emergency medical responders were on site and giving CPR to Daniel Carrasco. “He was taken to the Permian Regional Medical Center,” Andrews County Sheriff Charles R. Stewart told the Reporter-Telegram. “(Carrasco) had been working on the line when a high-pressure valve failed. When the high-pressure valve failed, there was a big impact.” Authorities could not confirm where the impact of the valve had struck Carrasco. “There was a crew there, and witness statements were taken,” Stewart advised. “Autopsy reports are pending.”
Texas jailer dies after being assaulted by confined man
Waxahachie, TX — Isaiah Patrick Bias, a 28-year-old who worked at the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office for over six years, was assaulted Monday afternoon at the county jail in Waxahachie, south of Dallas. Sheriff Brad Norman said during a Tuesday news conference that Arron Semeion Thompson, 45, from nearby Ennis, has been charged with capital murder in Bias’ death. “Most of the time, law enforcement officers and detention officers deal with good folks having a bad day. Occasionally, we deal with bad folks,” Norman said. “I can honestly say that my staff, over the last day, has dealt with pure evil.”
Police ID worker who died after fall at VAI construction site in Glendale
GLENDALE, AZ — Glendale police have confirmed the identity of a construction worker who died after a fall at VAI Resort on Monday morning. Investigators have identified the man as 22-year-old Tyrone Tyre Wilson. At this time, details are limited, but authorities confirmed Wilson fell about six stories from the resort’s construction site that’s located near the Loop 101 and Cardinals Way, not far from State Farm Stadium. Glendale authorities confirmed the unidentified worker fell about six stories from the resort’s construction site located near Loop 101 and Cardinals Way. Glendale police confirmed that no criminal activity is suspected at this time and that OSHA is currently investigating the apparent accident.
Cox employee shot in New Orleans East dies in hospital
NEW ORLEANS, LA — A Cox employee that was shot Monday afternoon in New Orleans East has died in the hospital. NOPD is now investigating the shooting as a homicide. According to the New Orleans Police Department, the shooting happened in the 8000 block of Dwyer Road around 12:27 p.m. Cox confirmed the victim was an employee in an issued statement. Details on what led up to the employee getting shot were not released by Cox or the NOPD.
Department of Labor continuing inspection into workplace death at local business
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A death is still under investigation after a body was found when authorities were responding to a fuel leak at American Property Experts on Sunnyvale Drive. In a Facebook post, American Property Experts confirmed the passing of Mason Thompson. Thompson is the son of the owner of the company, Jason Thompson, who is a former Wilmington City Councilman and former New Hanover County Commissioner. At 3:54 p.m. on Dec. 5, the Wilmington Fire Department (WFD), EMS, and Wilmington Police Department (WPD) responded to the business after getting a call about an entrapment and a diesel fuel leak that was caused by some equipment. Mason was pronounced dead at the scene. WPD is not investigating the death because it was determined to be non-criminal. In a statement, the N.C. Department of Labor said, “The N.C. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Division has opened an inspection into this fatality.”
Female student kills teacher, fellow student at Wisconsin Christian school
Madison, WI — At least three people were killed, including a suspect, and six others wounded Monday in a shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison police Chief Shon Barnes said the body of a female juvenile found at the scene is believed to be the shooter, who used a handgun. Barnes said the juvenile is an enrolled student and no police officers fired shots at the scene. The name and age of the juvenile were not released. She was described as a teenager. The chief said the suspect’s family was cooperating. A teacher and another student were also killed. At least two other students are in critical condition and four students are recovering from wounds that are not life threatening, Barnes said.
2 pilots die in fiery small plane crash into vacant building near Honolulu airport
Honolulu, HI– A small cargo plane on a training flight crashed into a vacant building shortly after taking off from Honolulu’s airport and burst into flames, killing both pilots on board, authorities said. Kamaka Air Flight 689 crashed into the building at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. Video shows the plane veering sideways into the airport area at low altitude before slamming into the building, creating a thick, black plume of smoke. “It is with heavy hearts that Kamaka Air confirms the loss of two members of the Kamaka Air family in an accident,” company CEO David Hinderland told reporters. He said the names of the two pilots have not been released yet. Hawaii News Now reported that family members identified one of the victims as Hiram Defries, a Punahou School graduate in his 20s who was a pilot in training. KITV reported that the family of the other pilot identified him as Preston Kaluhiwa, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools. The FAA said the single-engine Cessna 208 was headed to Lanai Airport. According to its website, Kamaka Air provides freight delivery services for individuals and businesses.
Construction worker dies after equipment collapses on job site along I-45
DICKINSON, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after a man was killed while working along I-45 on Tuesday afternoon. The Dickinson Police Department said officers received a call just before 2 p.m. about a construction worker being injured along the 3400 block of the Gulf Freeway. When police officers arrived at the scene, they found the worker was killed when the crane from a Boom Truck collapsed on a job site. SkyEye was above the scene, where it appeared a large crane had landed on the male employee.
One dead, two injured in workplace accident in LaPorte County
LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. (WSBT) — One person was killed and two others injured in a workplace accident in LaPorte County on Tuesday December 10th. The victim, Joseph Ehrhart of LaPorte County was flown to a South Bend hospital after the explosion. He died on Monday. Officials at Alexander Chemical in the Kingsbury Industrial Park just released the details on Tuesday December 17, 2024. Contractors were working on an empty storage tank when firefighters were called for a report of an explosion.
Beloved Prudential Center traffic cop struck, killed on the job
NEWARK, N.J. – A beloved traffic control officer known for dancing and having fun with concertgoers and Devils fans at New Jersey’s Prudential Center was struck and killed on the job. Jairo Rodriguez, 53, was struck while directing traffic on Lafayette Street following an event at the Newark venue late Thursday. He later died in the hospital. According to reports, the driver was an off-duty Newark police officer. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Heaven Hill Distillery employee dies at Bardstown rickhouse
Bardstown, KY — The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a Heaven Hill Distillery worker died on the job Thursday morning, Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa confirmed. Deputies were dispatched to the Bardstown distillery after receiving a report about an accident on the distillery’s property sometime before 8 a.m., Pineiroa said. The Nelson County Coroner’s Office said Travis Jury, 41, died at the scene. The cause of death is still under investigation, Chladek said.The death occurred inside a rickhouse, which is a structure designed for storing and aging spirits in barrels, Pineiroa said.
Siemens Energy employee killed on the job at Charlotte factory, company says
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An employee was killed at the Siemens Energy facility in southwest Charlotte on Wednesday, the company told WCNC Charlotte. Medic responded to an incident at the Siemens Energy production facility on Westinghouse Boulevard around 5 p.m. on Dec. 18. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, Medic confirmed. He has since been identified as Robert Anthony Mediate, 27. An anonymous employee told WCNC Charlotte that the worker who was killed had used that particular machinery for about six months. The employee claimed multiple workers saw the tragic incident take place.
Construction Worker Killed in Boom Truck Collapse in Houston
Houston, TX – A construction worker was killed after a boom truck collapsed on a site on Interstate 45 in Houston. According to a report from Fox 26 Houston, the family of 46-year-old Dislay Manuel Diaz Reburedo confirmed that he died on the scene on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say around 1:50 p.m. Diaz Reburedo was pinned down by the boom truck. Diaz Reburedo’s family said to Fox 26 that he had been working with the company for a few months and had experience with construction.
I-65 reopens after fiery crash that killed truck driver
Indianapolis, IN — A fiery crash killed a semi driver and led to a 5-mile backup on I-65 southbound Thursday morning as first responders tried to extinguish the blaze. The crash occurred just after 10:30 a.m. on the interstate near Southport Road when the truck, which was carrying wooden pallets, left the road. It crashed into several interstate signs and a section of the guardrail, catching on fire, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department. Witnesses estimated the truck left the road about 250 feet from where it landed. It’s unclear whether the 60-year-old driver suffered a medical emergency just prior to the crash. The driver, who has not been identified, died at the scene.
Worker killed in incident at grain facility in Voltaire
VOLTAIRE, N.D. (KMOT) – A worker was killed in an incident involving rail cars at a grain facility in McHenry County on Friday, according to the sheriff. McHenry County Sheriff Trey Skager said the incident occurred at the Dakota Midland Grain location in Voltaire. The sheriff said the man was loading train cars around 6 p.m., somehow was knocked down by the train and was found underneath one of the cars. Skager said the man was wearing a safety harness and was tethered at the time. The man’s identity was not made public, though the sheriff said next of kin had been notified.
Funeral held for Carroll County deputy killed in the line of duty
CARROLLTON, Ga.- Another metro Atlanta community laid to rest a member of their law enforcement killed in the line of duty. Family and friends, along with a large contingent of law enforcement from all over Georgia, gathered Thursday for the funeral of Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy Taylor Bristow. The 30-year-old was shot while serving a warrant in a child exploitation case. He died Friday after spending several days in the ICU at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Store employee fatally shot while taking out trash in Prince George’s County
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. — A Capitol Heights convenience store employee was fatally shot while taking out the trash on Wednesday, the Prince George’s County Police Department said. Police said Rakib Rakib, 31, was taking out the trash from a convenience store in the 6700 block of Walker Mill Road when he was shot once. Officers said Rakib was pronounced dead at the scene. Prince George’s police also said they arrested Geonte McNeil-Williams, 25, and charged him with murder. “The preliminary investigation revealed the victim was an employee of a convenience store on Walker Mill Road. He was taking out the trash when he was approached by the suspect. The suspect demanded his property and shot him,” police said.
York County family mourns loss of beloved father killed in tree-cutting accident
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A family is coming to terms with the recent and unexpected death of a father, brother, husband and friend. Shawnathan Winters died on Friday while working on a tree cutting job in the middle of the Susquehanna River. He was 40 years old. “He said, ‘I’ll call when we’re done, I love you, goodbye,’” said his wife. Danielle Winters. “The crew leader said, ‘I’m so sorry,'” Danielle explained. “He said the saw nicked the rope and he fell.” Shawnathan died on impact at Hill Island. “But that didn’t stop the guys,” Danielle said. “They performed CPR for 45 minutes until the EMS got there.” His employees tried everything they could to save his life. Shawnathan owned a small tree trimming and removal company and didn’t have life insurance.
Dayton Man Dies After Fall from Boom Truck near Big Lake
Big Lake, MN — A Dayton man has died as a result of a fall while on a job site in Orrock Township, near Big Lake. The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Tuesday, December 17th at around 2 PM, 59-year-old Thomas Stewart was working in a boom truck bucket in the ditch on 241st Ave. NW, west of 185th Street, when he fell while attempting to exit the bucket. The bucket was reported to have been between 6 to 8 feet in the air when he fell. Life saving measures were taken by sheriff’s deputies, emergency technicians, and the Big Lake Fire Department at the scene. Thomas was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital, where he died late Tuesday night.
Semi-truck driver killed after being pinned by his own vehicle
Inver Grove Heights, MN — A truck driver performing maintenance on his vehicle was killed Friday after he was pinned by his semi-truck. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 51-year-old truck driver Jay Patrick Smith had stopped his semi-truck around 9:43 p.m. along Interstate 494 at Babcock Trail in Inver Grove Heights. State Patrol said the driver was attempting to perform maintenance on the truck when the vehicle pinned him while he was working. Smith was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Lapeer man dies in industrial accident in Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills, MI — A 35-year-old Lapeer man is dead after an industrial accident in Auburn Hills late Sunday night, Auburn Hills police said. The accident took place at Delta Tooling, on the 1300 block of Harmon Road. Police responded to a report that an employee had been injured. They arrived to find that the man had died. The death occurred “during the operation of a large injection molding press,” a statement from Auburn Hills police said. Both Auburn Hills police and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident.
Worker in deadly roof accident identified
Crystal Springs, MS — Authorities in Crystal Springs are investigating a construction accident at Crystal Springs Middle School Friday. The victim has been identified as 31-year-old, Eduardo Cuz Moran. According to Crystal Springs police Chief Robert Thomas, crews were working on the gym roof of the middle school when Moran stepped on a weakened tile and fell through the roof. He fell 50 feet and died at the scene. The Copiah County coroner is on the scene of the accident. The crew working on the Crystal Springs Middle School roof is from out of Texas
Sanitation Worker Fatally Struck by Garbage Truck in Tragic Workplace Accident on Jacksonville’s Westside
Jacksonville, FL — A 22-year-old sanitation worker was fatally injured last Friday when he was run over by a garbage truck in Jacksonville’s Westside, as confirmed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred around 11:17 a.m. in the 10200 block of Driftwood Hills Drive. According to reports from News4JAX, the victim was working on trash collection when a maneuver gone wrong led to the tragedy. Officials say that a Meridian Waste vehicle was backing up so as to make room for another garbage truck traveling in the opposite direction. Sergeant Robert Hungerford told First Coast News that, while assisting the driver in reversing, the young man attempted to jump onto the moving vehicle, but unfortunately, slipped on the step and was caught under the rear wheels of the truck.
Friends mourn 19-year-old employee killed in AutoZone shooting
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – A deadly shooting has unfolded at an AutoZone in Montgomery County on Saturday. William Gabriel Aguilar, 19, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder related to the fatal shooting. Aguilar reportedly walked into the AutoZone located near the 28800 block of Birnham Woods and shot an employee. According to investigators, the victim was identified as 19-year-old Carlos Perez.
Federal Customs and Border Agent Killed in Calif. Helicopter Crash
Potrero, CA — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection pilot who was killed earlier this week in a helicopter crash in the East County community of Potrero was identified Wednesday, federal officials said. Air interdiction Agent Jeffrey Kanas died when the Eurocopter AS350 he was flying crashed around 11:20 a.m. on Monday in a rural area near Round Potrero Road, north of state Route 94, officials said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. A CBP spokesperson said earlier this week the pilot was conducting a border security mission as part of the agency’s air and marine operations, a separate component of the agency. Kanas was the sole person on board when the helicopter crashed.