Part 2 of how workers died over the past two weeks: Forklift, trench collapse, grain bin, helicopter, severe weather, 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.
Worker dies after being hit by truck at Staten Island Amazon facility
Staten Island, NY — A 34-year-old man died after he was hit by a box truck at the Amazon facility in Bloomfield, according to sources. The pedestrian was struck just before 11 p.m. Wednesday at the facility at 546 Gulf Ave., according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD. The victim has been identified by multiple sources as Leony Salcedo-Chevalier of Perth Amboy. The crash happened at a loading dock at that facility, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. A 40-year-old man was driving the box truck in reverse when the vehicle struck Salcedo-Chevalier, who was standing behind the truck, the police spokeswoman said. The driver and the victim are not Amazon employees, both were employed by third parties. The operator of the box truck remained on scene. No arrests have been made and the investigation continues, the police spokeswoman said. The worker’s death at JFK8 is only the latest in a long line of work-related injuries and deaths at Amazon. In the sweltering summer of 2022, for example, three Amazon workers at company facilities in New Jersey died due to excessive heat in their work areas, with the company denying responsibility. Related: Amazon workers force temporary shutdown after death at JFK8 warehouse
Sanitation worker dies while on duty in Arkansas City
Arkansas City, KS — A sanitation worker for the City of Arkansas City has died on the job. The city issued a news release saying that Chad Gleason died Thursday morning “doing the work he cared deeply about and took great pride in every day.” The city did not provide details of what happened. “We lost a fellow employee and friend,” Public Services Superintendent Tony Tapia said. The city says employees from other departments have stepped in to ensure sanitation services continue.
Worker killed in Ashburn trench collapse
Ashburn, VA — An employee was killed in a trench collapse on April 10. The worker — who the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office hadn’t identified as of April 11 — was working on the Vantage Data Centers project for a subcontractor for the general contractor, HITT Contracting Inc., according to Robin Bectel, a Vantage spokeswoman. “The safety, security and well-being of all involved in our projects is paramount. We are continuing to support HITT, OSHA and local authorities with their ongoing investigations” Bectel said in an email. The collapse was called in at 10:58 a.m., according to Laura Rinehart, a Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System spokeswoman. She said firefighters arrived at 11:02 a.m. and pulled the man from the trench at 11:47 a.m. Construction-related trench collapses are rare but extremely dangerous, often resulting in fatal outcomes due to the weight and speed at which the earth can fall, officials say. OSHA regulations require strict safety protocols on excavation sites, and investigators will now examine whether those protocols were followed.
Lenoir man killed in forklift accident
Lenoir, NC — A Lenoir man was killed earlier this month at the old Harper Plant after an accident with a forklift. Manuel Lee Adams, of 2539 Pisgah Church Road in Lenoir, was involved in an industrial accident at his place of work, Woodsmith Holdings, on April 1, according to Maj. Andy Wilson with the Lenoir Police Department.
A helicopter crash Kills 6 people including on-duty pilot
New York City, NY — A sightseeing helicopter plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday, killing six people, including a pilot, three children and their parents – who have both worked for Siemens, a German multinational technology conglomerate. The pilot was identified as 36-year-old Seankese Johnson, according to city officials. He was certified to fly commercial helicopters since August 2023, according to FAA records, and the NTSB noted he had completed 788 hours in the air. Video of the crash suggested that a “catastrophic mechanical failure” left the pilot with no chance to save the helicopter, said Justin Green, an aviation lawyer who was a helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps. It is possible the helicopter’s main rotors struck the tail boom, breaking it apart and causing the cabin to free fall, Green said. Administration identified the helicopter as a Bell 206, a model widely used in commercial and government aviation, including by sightseeing companies, TV news stations and police. It was initially developed for the U.S. Army before being adapted for other uses. Thousands have been manufactured over the years. he National Transportation Safety Board said it would investigate. At least 38 people have died in helicopter accidents in New York City since 1977. A collision between a plane and a tourist helicopter over the Hudson in 2009 killed nine people, and five died in 2018 when a charter helicopter offering “open door” flights went down into the East River.
Employee dies after workplace accident at Stellantis plant in Michigan
Dundee, MI — Officials are investigating after a worker died at a Stellantis plant in Monroe County. The automaker confirmed a deadly accident occurred at the Dundee Engine Plant on Monday morning, but did not share any additional details. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as a 62-year-old man from Detroit. Deputies said was injured by a machine while working an assembly line. Stellantis said in a statement to WDIV-TV in Detroit that it was working with local authorities to figure out what happened. The employee has not been identified by name. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating the incident.
Woman Dies in Grain Bin Accident
Marshall County, IN — A worker is dead after she became trapped in a grain bin on Thursday morning in a rural area in Indiana. The Marshall County Coroner’s Office reported that 58 year old Marilyn Miller was working inside the grain bin attempting to loosen compacted grain when disaster struck, local news sources reported. Investigators say Miller was pulled into the grain as it began shifting downward toward the auger. These types of accidents, often referred to as grain entrapments, can happen suddenly and are difficult to escape from due to the sheer weight and movement of the grain. Silos/storage bin contents must be able to flow freely. Emergency crews were called to the scene but were unable to rescue the worker. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Safety experts urge farmers and large corporations to follow strict protocols when working inside grain bins, including the use of harnesses, safety spotters, and mechanical tools to loosen stuck grain whenever possible. Miller’s death has sent ripples through the local community, which is known for its strong ties to farming and agriculture. Friends and neighbors told local news that she was a hardworking and kind woman who understood the risks of her work but was committed to the job she loved, reported AG Daily.
Man passes out, dies while working at Newport News shipyard
Newport, VA — A man passed out and died while working at a shipyard in Newport News on Friday, according to a Newport News Shipbuilding spokesperson. The spokesperson says man was discovered unconscious in his work area. Emergency crews were contacted and CPR was attempted — however, the lifesaving efforts were not successful. “There are no indications this is an industrial accident,” the spokesperson wrote in a release.
Worker killed after tractor-trailer hits construction vehicle
Cumberland County, PA — A construction worker was killed in a four-vehicle crash on Route 581 in Cumberland County on Monday morning, according to Pennsylvania State Police. According to state police, a construction vehicle was in the closed right lane picking up cones in the work zone. A FedEx double tractor-trailer was driving in the left lane when it entered the closed right lane and struck the back of the construction vehicle, according to a recent report. The tractor-trailer then hit another vehicle, and debris from the wreck damaged a fourth vehicle, police said. Two workers were inside the construction vehicle at the time, PennDOT said. Both individuals were transported to the hospital, where one of the workers was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to state police. Their identity has not yet been released. The second worker suffered moderate injuries, police said.
Walmart Employee Shot and Killed by co worker in store
Covington, GA — A Walmart employee killed one co-worker and injured another in an after-hours shooting spree that started at the store and ended with the individual killing another co-worker at a nearby home, according to law enforcement officials. The deceased victims have been identified by police as 21-year-old Khalaf Barksdale and 19-year-old Akeela Clarke. The third victim, 29-year-old Ryan Bradley, is currently in stable condition. The initial shooting took place in a Walmart branch in Covington, Georgia, about 35 miles east of Atlanta, at around 1:30 a.m. on Friday, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. An employee — identified by police as 24-year-old Dwayne Eduh — allegedly exited the building shortly before the shooting, retrieved a firearm and returned inside, according to a preliminary investigation. Eduh then located a male acquaintance within the store, and fatally shot them, according to the sheriff’s office. He later encountered a second acquaintance outside Walmart and shot him as well. That person was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but has since been upgraded to stable, according to the sheriff’s office. Eduh then left the area and went into a neighborhood where they forced entry into a residence, found another female acquaintance and fatally shot her, the sheriff’s office said. There were no customers inside the store at the time of the shooting. The deceased victims have been identified by police as 21-year-old Khalaf Barksdale and 19-year-old Akeela Clarke. The third victim, 29-year-old Ryan Bradley, is currently in stable condition. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Wood County sheriff’s deputy killed in wreck
Wood County, TX— A Wood County sheriff’s deputy has died following a wreck on Wednesday. Deputy Melissa Pollard died in the wreck at the intersection of FM 14 and State Highway 37-S, according to a Wood County Sheriff’s Office release. A DPS trooper on scene said an 18-wheeler was making a left-hand turn when the deputy rammed into the back of it. The deputy was on-duty. There were no signs of braking from the deputy’s vehicle, the trooper said. Pollard was taken to a nearby hospital but did not survive her injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured, the trooper said.
Man run over, killed by suspected shoplifters outside his family’s store in South El Monte
South EL Monte, CA — A store employee was run over and killed by a suspected shoplifter in South El Monte Wednesday after he tried to stop the robbery, authorities said. The fatal incident happened outside Giant Discount Store located at 2039 Durfee Avenue, which the victim’s brother owns, at around 12:18 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The victim, who was identified by family members as Steve Yaghoubi, often helped his brother Jim Yaghoubi at the store. The suspect reportedly asked the victim for a box of masks worth $10 and then walked out without paying. Steve and Jim followed the suspect into the parking lot and a physical altercation took place, the LASD said. “Doors open, two other guys exit the car, and one of them punches my brother in the head, he holds his head and he goes down,” said Jim. The three men then got back into the car and ran over Steve, first as they backed out of the parking space and again as they sped off. Steve was pronounced dead at the scene.
22-year-old truck driver killed in Montgomery County crash
Montgomery County, IN — A California man was killed in a semi crash in Montgomery County early Sunday morning. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered a 2021 Kensworth semi, pulling a trailer loaded with potatoes, was headed east on I-74 when it drove off the road for an “unknown reason.” Once the semi drove off the road, it overturned, causing the driver to be ejected. Deputies said the driver, later identified as Satvinder Singh, 22, of Sacramento, California, was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi was owned by King Transline Inc., which is based out of Manteca, California. While working on the semi crash, deputies said another crash happened, which resulted in the eastbound lanes of I-74 being closed for four hours. However, this crash had no injuries.
Lineman dies while working during severe weather
Huntingdon, TN — A Tennessee lineman died while working earlier this month during severe weather. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reports that a lineman with the Carroll County Electric Department died while working as strong storms hit the area. “Our hearts are with the family and friends of Chance Carlton, who lost his life while working during the recent storms,” the agency said. Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler said he was heartbroken about the lineman’s death. Several Tennessee residents are continuing to deal with flooding, as many families have been forced to evacuate their homes due to rising floodwaters. “We thank Tennessee Valley Authority, local power companies, and lineworkers across the state for their continued work to keep power on for Tennesseans,“ emergency management shared.
Church security guard and deacon killed
GULFPORT, MS — A security guard and deacon at a Gulfport church died in a shooting Saturday when he tried to intervene in a domestic violence dispute that turned physical at a church event while trying to protect children at an Easter egg hunt Saturday afternoon. Deacon Eddie Shed, who was also the head of security at Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, died from gunshot wounds after he intervened in an argument that police describe as a “child custody dispute.” Gulfport police arrived at the scene at Goldin Sports Complex at 2:05 p.m. and found that two people had been shot and injured, and a third was dead, Gulfport Police Lt. Jason Ducre said. Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer identified the deceased as Eddie Shed, 39, of McHenry. He died at the scene of multiple gunshot wounds, Switzer said. A second person associated with Empowerment Ministries Christian Center was among the injured. He was taken by helicopter to an Alabama hospital, police said. Three people are currently in custody, Ducre said. Members of the church gathered the next day to mourn Shed, whose death they say is an unimaginable loss for the congregation.