How Workers Died Last Week: Tanker explosion, highway work zone, electrocution, falling cargo, vehicle incident, shootings. 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.
One employee dead in tanker explosion
Wright, WY — An explosion occurred Saturday afternoon at an industrial site just north of Wright which resulted in the death of 47-year-old tanker driver Denice Downing, Sheriff’s Cpl. Josh Knittel said Monday morning. According to information gathered by the Sheriff’s Office, Downing was in a truck hauling a tanker that was being loaded with hydrochloric acid at a site near mile marker 78 on Highway 59. She remained in her truck’s cab while it was being loaded, which is a typical practice for this process, Knittel said. Others on site heard the sound of a possible chemical reaction and building up of pressure within the tanker and tried to evacuate the area, Knittel said, but Downing was unable to escape the explosion, which was believed to have killed her instantly. The explosion also resulted in the destruction of the truck and tanker, the latter of which was ripped in half, the pieces thrown 50 to 100 yards apart by the force. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation will resume once it can access the site safely and they are providing information to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which will ultimately issue an official statement on the incident.
Gravel hauler driver killed, found underneath tractor trailer following accident
Ann Arbor, MI — Truck driver found dead after he was run over by his own vehicle. A 64-year-old Livonia man was found unresponsive underneath a tractor trailer with trauma to his body, police said, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A preliminary investigation found that the victim was the driver of the gravel hauler involved ident. Police said had had just dropped off loads of sand at a nearby construction site. He got out of his truck and was in the process of trying to reconnect the front trailer to the rear trailer when he became trapped underneath. The man’s name was not released. Police said the investigation into how this happened is ongoing.
Worker killed when FedEx semitruck hits construction vehicle
Camp Hill, PA — A construction worker was killed early Monday morning in a three-vehicle crash in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State Police said a construction vehicle was in the closed right lane of a work zone picking up cones on Route 581 around 4:30 a.m. A Video from WGAL shows that a FedEx double semitruck crashed into the workers. According to state police, the semitruck was driving in the left lane before drifting into the work zone and hitting the back of the construction vehicle. Construction worker Hector Hernandez, 56, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police said another construction worker, 63-year-old Ricky West, was also taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.
Construction worker hit and killed by motorist
Kanawha County, WV — A construction worker was killed at a road side work zone on Monday, April 14, 2025. A Parkways employee, identified as 23-year-old James Harper, of Beckley, was hit by a commercial vehicle that was travelling in the southbound lanes near mile marker 92. The driver of the vehicle was identified at 28-year-old Anvar Sabirov, of Rego Park, New York. Witnesses stated that Sabirov allegedly entered the marked work zone with his head down. Harper was hit while he was filling a pothole.
Employee found dead at wastewater treatment plant
Burbank, CA — Employee was found dead in A wastewater treatment plant in Burbank. According to the Burbank Police Department, a medical call was dispatched around 12:45 p.m. Friday after an employee was found unresponsive. Detectives responded to investigate, but officials said the cause of death remained unknown as of the police department’s latest public update. “Due to the type of facility (a wastewater treatment plant), and as a precaution, the Burbank Fire Department made the decision to evacuate the premises so a Hazardous Materials team could take a closer look and ensure there are no materials that could pose a threat to other employees or the public,” the department said in a release. Officials said the employee’s identity will not be released, pending authorization from the L.A. County Coroner and following necessary notifications to next-of-kin.
Employee dies after workplace accident at Jeffersonville rental facility
Louisville, KY — A young man is dead after a workplace accident happened in Jeffersonville. According to a spokesperson for ENCON Equipment, the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The coroner identified the worker as Nicholas Ludwick. The company rents out different types of equipment like aerial lifts, excavators and generators, according to its website. The Jeffersonville location is the company’s third facility. Details surrounding the incident aren’t immediately available.
Greenwich firefighter dies in line of duty while battling house fire
Willard, OH — A firefighter with the Tri-Community Joint Fire Department in Huron County has died in the line of duty after responding to a house fire Wednesday night. The firefighter has been identified as 41-year-old John Saunders by the Huron County Coroner. According to the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office, crews with the Tri-Community Joint Fire Department were called around 10:18 p.m. to a fire at a single-family home in Willard. The Huron County Coroner reports that Saunders was found and removed from the basement of the house and taken to Mercy Hospital Willard where he was pronounced dead. The Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau with the State Fire Marshal’s office is leading the investigation. The Huron County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are also assisting. The cause of the fire has not been determined and remains under investigation. Investigators were on scene Thursday, gathering evidence. News of Saunders death comes just days before Trump Laid Off Nearly All the Federal Workers Who Investigate Firefighter Deaths.
Dump Truck Driver Killed in Multi-Car Crash
Medford, MA — A dump-truck driver killed in a crash involving five vehicles. Fredis Saravia-Corvera, 34, was driving a gray Ford F-350 dump truck with a trailer when he was killed in the wreck near the Roosevelt Circle exit on Route 93 North around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, the Middlesex District Attorney said. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police said a black Toyota Camry may have been driving erratically just before the crash.
Worker killed on I-81 shoulder after dump truck reverses over him
Washington County, VA — A worker died after being run over by a dump truck on the shoulder of Interstate 81. Virginia State Police reports a 2010 Freightliner M2 dump truck started to reverse while on the right shoulder of the interstate. The dump truck ran over a pedestrian who was also on the shoulder, according to state police. The driver of the dump truck and the pedestrian were working on the same crew, conducting shoulder maintenance. VSP identified the pedestrian as James Nunley, Jr., 43, of Marion. Nunley died at the scene.
Tow truck driver killed following car crash
Lake Placid, FL — A tow truck driver was killed Monday after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 27 in Highlands County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers said the crash happened as the tow truck driver, a 53-year-old Labelle man, was stopped on the northbound shoulder of the highway just north of Ragan Avenue. He was standing between the outside lane of the highway and his truck when another driver suddenly veered to the right and entered the shoulder. Officials said the driver hit the 53-year-old man and sideswiped his truck. The tow truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene, according to troopers. The crash remained under investigation Monday, and no further information was immediately available
Worker killed by electrocution on the job
Tucson, AZ — A 20-year-old man was electrocuted and killed on Thursday in a worksite accident. About 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Dominick Herbert was part of a crew installing a new water main in the area of West Pecos Way and North Thornydale Road when a live power line broke and fell, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release. The line fell into a trench where Herbert and a colleague were working. Herbert was electrocuted and died at the scene. His unidentified coworker was rushed to the hospital and was in critical condition, authorities say. The cause of the power line break is still under investigation, the news release said. An excavator was being used nearby, the news release noted. Several agencies are taking part in the investigation. That includes the Pima County Department of Transportation, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health and Tucson Electric Power.
Police lieutenant killed in overnight crash while on duty
South Fulton, GA — The South Fulton Police Department is mourning the loss of a longtime officer who died after suffering injuries in a vehicle crash. Lt. Helio Garcia, a dedicated member of the department for more than six years, died early Wednesday morning after being rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital with critical injuries. According to officials, Garcia was not only a veteran officer but also one of the founding members who helped build the South Fulton Police Department from the ground up. The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday on Flat Shoals Road near Connell Road. Authorities say Garcia was on duty and driving a department-issued vehicle when a 2016 Infiniti QX70 veered into his lane, striking his patrol car head-on. Garcia’s Ford Explorer was left heavily damaged in the collision. The other driver, McLean remains in serious condition. Georgia State Patrol is now leading the investigation. While details are still being gathered, South Fulton police say alcohol may have played a role in the crash. GSP says McLean will likely face charges once she’s released from the hospital. Garcia leaves behind a wife and three children. The incident marks the department’s first line-of-duty death, a loss that has shaken the force and the community.
2 food service employees killed in FSU shooting
Tallahassee, FL — Two food service employees were identified as the people killed in the Florida State University campus shooting last Thursday. Both employees were working at the time of the shooting, one was employed by the university and the other by a campus vendor. The Aramark employee was identified as Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two. He was a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, according to his family’s attorney. The campus dining employee was identified by family as Robert Morales, who was originally from Miami-Dade County. He was also a FSU alum. Officials have not released the names of the six people injured in the shooting but said those injured included students. All were sent to a local hospital and are expected to recover, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare officials said. Police identified the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the stepson of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy. Ikner was a student at the university, police said, and was injured when officers shot him to neutralize the threat. Officials said he suffered “significant” injuries and will be in the hospital for quite some time recovering. Since the shooting, the school has seen memorials of candles and flowers appear across campus, and a vigil was held at 5 p.m. Friday on the campus.
Coach and Player Killed After Community College Softball Team Bus Involved in Head-On Crash
Douglas County, OR — A coach and player on the Umpqua Community College softball team were killed Friday after the team’s van was involved in head-on crash in Coos County, Ore., the Oregon State Police reported. Head coach Jami Strinz and freshman Kiley Jones were killed from injuries suffered in the crash. Strinz was driving a Chevrolet Express bus eastbound on Oregon Highway 42 near milepost 23 around 10 p.m. Friday night when a westbound Chevrolet Silverado crossed the centerline and struck the team bus head-on. The bus was occupied with 10 members of the Umpqua softball team, OSP reported. Jones, 19, from Nampa, Idaho, was declared dead on the scene. Strinz, 46, of Roseburg, Ore., was transported to the hospital with critical injuries, where she later died. The driver of the Silverado, Johnathan James Dowdy, 32, of Coos Bay, Ore., suffered serious injuries and was transported to an emergency medical center. The other eight occupants of the bus, whose identities were not yet being released, suffered moderate to serious injuries. The Umpqua team was returning to its campus in Roseburg, Ore., after playing a doubleheader Friday in Coos Bay against Grays Harbor College. Umpqua established a softball program for the first time this season. Strinz was from Pleasant Hill, Ore., and she had previously served as a coach at several colleges, including Portland State and George Fox, before being hired at Umpqua. Her partner Steve Williams is an assistant coach at Umpqua. They have a daughter together.
Milwaukee father shot, killed on the job
Milwaukee, WI — a Milwaukee man was shot and killed on the job “protecting what he loved,” according to a family member. 37-year-old Maurice Williams was a father of seven and employee of the Gold Diggers club. “He was just about to become a first-time granddad,” said Pauline Harrington, Williams’ sister. “It’s hard. I never lost a sibling.” Milwaukee police said Williams was killed just after 11 p.m. on Thursday night. It happened near the club Gold Diggers on Hopkins Street just south of Hampton Avenue. Police said another 37-year-old was shot and died at the hospital, while a 34-year-old was shot and wounded. “My son died doing what he loved, and he died protecting what he loved. He loved this place called Gold Diggers,” said Yvette Wright, Williams’ mother. “Just know, whoever he loved, he loved them with all his heart.” Family said Williams, who was also known as “Big Hurk,” worked security at the club’s door. He was also a coach and advocate for the CLE Panthers youth football team. “He was a big guy, so he had all the big linemen, full of energy, keeping the kids motivated,” said Carvell Brooks, Williams’ brother.
Driver dead after large tree falls on truck
Goochland County, VA — A driver is dead after a large tree fell onto his tractor-trailer Wednesday afternoon. According to state police, Frank James Porter-Loftin died Wednesday when a large tree fell on top of the cab of his dump truck as he was driving eastbound on I-64 in Goochland. His family says he was headed home to Powhatan County. Although emergency crews responded, there was little they could do to help. Frank was pronounced dead at the scene. Porter-Loftin leaves behind his wife, two children, and a host of beloved family and friends. As hard as it is for Tony, Frank’s daughter, Jada, says, life will no longer be the same now that the person who brought her such great joy is no longer by her side. His brother says the two were inseparable, and now he’s left with just memories. His family says he worked hard as a truck driver for Goodes Hauling, and that dedication led him to achieve a long-time goal for his family, after life threw them a few curveballs.
Delivery Driver Crushed and Killed by Falling Cargo
Boulder County, CO — A delivery driver for a freight company died on Tuesday after cargo he was delivering fell on him at a concrete company. The driver has been identified as 21-year-old Samuel Samaniego. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, wrote via email that it has an open and ongoing investigation into the incident. Juan Rodriguez, a spokesperson for OSHA, said no other information will be available until the investigation has been completed.
Airport worker dies at Salt Lake City Airport cargo facility
Salt Lake City, UT — One employee is dead after being hit by a truck in a parking lot at Salt Lake City International Airport Wednesday morning. Officials said the victim and the driver were making deliveries to the cargo facility when the incident occurred. The victim walked behind a box truck that was backing up when it hit him, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head. When officers arrived, they attempted life-saving aid to the victim, but the man died at the scene. Officials say they aren’t releasing the victim’s identity until next-of-kin notifications are made. The Salt Lake City Police Department Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation into the crash, but said it’s considered an industrial accident instead of a traffic accident. SLCPD said the case will most likely be turned over to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after they finish their investigation. The truck involved is not believed to be associated with Delta Cargo. There are no known impacts to the airport or airline operations related to the accident.
Firefighter Dies On Duty After Nearly 30 Years of Service
School bus driver suddenly dies on the job
Dothan, AL — A a Dothan City Schools school bus driver suddenly died while he was at work. Dennis Cole was found dead at the Dothan City Bus Barn Monday evening. District officials say he had a medical emergency and died of heart-related issues. Family members say they were unaware of any health-related issues. The family says Cole has always been a public servant. He has worked for the district transportation department since 2013 and even earned the employee of the year award for 2018-19. “He loved the kids he worked with, like the Slingluff kids and the DPA kids. I know they will miss not seeing him anymore. he was a wonderful person,” said Brooks. Co-workers say he was very funny and would often prank them, but most importantly, he was compassionate.
Car Crash Kills Tow Truck Operator
Brentwood, NY — A tow truck operator was hit and killed while helping a vehicle in need on Long Island Tuesday afternoon, Suffolk County police told Patch. Police said that Richard Rodriguez, 32, of Freeport, was working as a tow truck operator and loading a disabled 2007 Chevrolet Suburban onto a 2020 Dodge Ram tow truck on the shoulder of the higway when he was struck by an oncoming car. The car’s driver lost control of the vehicle and crossed several lanes of traffic before striking the center median, police said. Rodriguez was pronounced dead on the scene while Licalzi was not injured, police said.
77 year old Uber Driver Shot and Killed on the job
Philadelphia, PA — A 77-year-old Uber driver was shot and killed while picking up a passenger. The 22 year old passenger was also shot but not killed. The Uber driver was identified as Olatunji Bolaji, of Norristown. Police said the shooting happened outside the Byblos restaurant and hookah lounge in the 100 block of 18th Street at around 2 a.m. Wednesday. Police said it all started as the 22-year-old was leaving the hookah lounge. Surveillance video being used as part of a police investigation shows the 22-year-old hugging people goodbye in front of a black SUV when two suspects run towards them. As he was getting into the backseat of an SUV driven by a 77-year-old Uber driver, police said a Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled up behind them, two males got out and started fighting with the younger man. Police said at least one of the men from the Jeep fired four shots. Investigators believe a bullet went through the headrest and struck the Uber driver, Bolaji. Bolaji was still able to drive a short distance, turning onto Chestnut Street before crashing into a light pole. Bolaji was pronounced dead at the scene. His family tells Action News they are heartbroken, adding that he was just a father doing his job to make a living.
Security guard killed in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, MI — A 27 year old security guard was shot and killed on the job. Montine Wiley was working as a security guard at a private event being held at Green Door Distilling on East North Street when he was shot in the chest after getting into an altercation with a patron, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) officials. KDPS is still searching for a potential suspect, who they say remains at large. Wiley’s mother described him as a loving son, father of one with another on the way, and a man who looked out for his community. “This has touched the lives and hurt so many people,” Wiley said. “It’s a major hole in Kalamazoo.” Wiley was a gun prevention advocate and regularly spoke at youth anti-gun violence meetings. The owner of Green Door Distilling, who does not wish to be named, told News Channel 3 capacity limitations were agreed upon with the host of the private event, however, a flier was shared online inviting people to come to a party, providing Green Door’s address, according to police. The owner said they were bombarded as hundreds showed up, adding that the crowd got out of control. Police were called and when they arrived on scene officers heard a single gunshot. That’s when they found Wiley with a shot to the chest. He was transported to a local hospital but later died.
Emergency responder killed while assisting motorist in Wayne County
WEST SALEM, OH — An emergency responder was killed on Friday night while assisting a motorist in Congress Township, according to the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Lieutenant Paul Charles Mickolick, 43, with the Town and County Fire District, died as a result of his injuries, the Patrol reported. He was one of two people struck by a passing motorist. Tylor James Green, 33, of West Salem, was ground transported to the Cleveland Clinic Lodi Hospital by Town and County Fire and EMS. Green was later flown by helicopter to Akron General with serious injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol received a report of a Ford F-150, operated by Green, that had gotten stuck in a ditch while exiting a private field on the west side of Stratton Road. Mickolick arrived on scene in his personal vehicle to assist, parking on the west side of the roadway near the F-150. The Patrol stated that a 2006 Cadillac CTS, operated by Creighton L. Trimble, 64, of West Salem, was southbound on Stratton Road when he drove off the right side of the roadway into the ditch, striking the F-150 as well as Green and Mickolick, who were standing near the F-150.
Nuclear site employee collapses and dies at work outside Hanford plant
RICHLAND, WA– A 42-year-old Hanford workers collapsed and died Wednesday on the Hanford nuclear site. The man was working the night shift at the massive vitrification plant when he walked out to a portable toilet just before 6 a.m., said Benton County Deputy Coroner Dennis Morris. Morris said the worker collapsed on his way back to work and was found by some other employees.