How Workers Died Last Week: Electrocutions, explosion, fire, forklift, machinery, drowning, tree care, logging, shootings, stabbing, 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.
Explosion on NYC sewage transport boat kills 1, injures 2 others; investigation underway
WEST HARLEM, Manhattan, NY — One person was killed and two others were injured after an explosion onboard a sewage transport boat in the Hudson River. It happened near 138th Street along the Hudson River aorund 10:30 a.m. Saturday on a New York City-owned motor vessel named Hunts Point. Upon arrival, FDNY officials discovered that a large explosion occurred in one of the hulls on the boat. Workers for the city’s Department of Environmental Protection were onboard the vessel that was docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility on the Hudson, a sewage treatment plant. A 59-year-old worker was killed after he was blown by the force of the explosion between the pier and the vessel itself. According to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the victim was a veteran employee with 33 years of service with the agency.
1 dead, 2 in custody after rollover crash involving semi along I-55
DARIEN, Ill. (WGN) — Drivers faced significant delays Friday afternoon following a rollover crash involving a semi-truck on Interstate 55. SkyCam 9 flew above the scene of I-55 southbound near mile marker 273 at Cass Avenue in Darien. ISP said the DuPage County-area crash occurred just before 12:30 p.m. While details on the crash remain limited, ISP troopers said the semi-truck driver died as a result of the wreck. In an update shared Saturday morning, troopers said two people had been taken into custody in connection with the deadly crash, though it is unclear how they may have been involved.
Deadly industrial accident under investigation in Kings Mountain
KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — An investigation has been launched after the Kings Mountain Police Department said someone died during a workplace accident on Tuesday. KMPD confirmed to WCNC Charlotte officers were responding to NVR Building Products, located along Riverside Court. The department said 67-year-old Willy Victor Carmona of Gastonia suffered a cardiac arrest inside the facility and was not breathing. First responders determined that an industrial accident had unfolded. Carmona died at the scene. His family was notified of his passing. KMPD said preliminary findings do not indicate foul play, but the scene is still active and the investigation remains ongoing. The department also said the North Carolina Department of Labor has been notified and is assisting in the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Employee killed in accident at Mesa crumb rubber plant
MESA, AZ — An employee of a crumb rubber plant in the East Valley has tragically lost his life after a workplace accident overnight. The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. at CRM of America near Pecos and Meridian roads in east Mesa. The manufacturer specializes in crumb rubber that’s used for rubberized asphalt, sports fields, track infill and rubber-molded products. Mesa Police said the male employee fell into a piece of equipment and was then trapped. Mesa Police said the man, later identified as 64-year-old Daryl Reinertson, fell into a piece of equipment and was then trapped. Reinertson was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
Truck driver killed in Hudspeth County crash
HUDSPETH COUNTY, Texas (KVIA) — Truck driver Yemane Berhane, 23, died in a crash on I-10 East in Hudspeth County on Friday. The crash happened at 4:20 PM about ten miles west of Sierra Blanca. Officials say Yemane and his passenger were driving their semi broke down on the side of the road. Yemane got out, then another semi then hit the back of his tractor trailer. Yemane was struck in the process, officials say. The other driver and Yemane’s passenger were transported to the hospital with injuries, while Yemane was pronounced dead at the scene.
Person dies after being electrocuted in accident in Montgomery County
MAGNOLIA, Texas — A tree trimmer is dead after coming in contact with a power line in Montgomery County on Tuesday. It happened along FM 2978 just north of Woodland Parkway. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office posted about it a little after 1:30 p.m. According to their post, the worker was electrocuted. Crews had to wait for electricity to be turned off before they could get to the worker.
Man dies in industrial accident at EV battery plant being built near Savannah
BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. — A man died Tuesday morning at an electric vehicle battery plant under construction when a load fell off a forklift, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office reported. The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Allen Kowalski. The fatal accident happened at the HL-GA Battery Co. at the Bryan County MegaSite in Ellabell. It is scheduled to start producing EV batteries for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles in early 2026. The death is the second in two months at the battery plant worksite. On March 21, a man identified as Sunbok You was hit by a forklift and dragged 10 to 15 feet. His body was severed at the waist in the accident. Authorities have yet to release the identity of the worker killed Tuesday. A Hyundai spokesman said the man was an employee of a subcontractor working on the construction project. A contractor, Victor Gamboa, fell to his death from a structure under construction at the Metaplant in April 2023.
Truck driver killed in collision with train in Richmond
Richmond, TX — The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a fatal accident between a dump truck and a train occurred early Wednesday morning in Richmond. Below is the latest update from the Sheriff’s Office. “At approximately 6:47a on May 21, 2025, FBCSO Deputies responded to a fatal accident at the intersection of FM 2759 and Nelson Lane in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, involving a dump truck and a train. Preliminary information suggests the dump truck was traveling on Nelson Lane towards FM 2759 when it was struck by the train. “At this time, we can confirm the driver of the dump truck died at the scene. There were two operators on the train. Both have been transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. “FBCSO Investigators can confirm Nelson Lane is a dirt road and while the railroad crossing is marked, there are no lights, stop signs, or barriers at the intersection. At this time, Nelson Lane at the railroad remains closed.
UPS Truck Driver Killed in Highway 99 Crash Near Kingsburg
KINGSBURG, Calif. (May 20, 2025) — Marvin Esplana, 51, of Visalia, died in a multi-vehicle crash last Thursday on Highway 99 involving his UPS semi-truck near Kingsburg. The three-vehicle crash occurred around 6:18 p.m. near Avenue 384, according to the California Highway Patrol.CHP officials reported the UPS driver of a semi-tractor trailer truck may have suffered a medical emergency. The truck was heading southbound when it veered into oncoming traffic and collided with the drivers of a Honda Civic sedan and Volvo XC90 SUV. The big rig truck continued traveling before it came to a stop when it hit a concrete center median wall. Paramedics responded and transported the truck driver to a local hospital, where unfortunately, he died from his injuries, the CHP reports.
Coroner IDs man run over by forklift at Adams County RV dealership
Mount Pleasant Township, PA — The Adams County coroner has released the name of a man who was run over by a forklift Monday morning at an RV dealership. The victim was identified as Daniel G. Dunlevy, 65, of Mount Holly Springs, Pa. The cause and manner of death are pending, according to the coroner. Crews were called to Beckley’s RVs on York Road in Mount Pleasant Township at 9:11 a.m. Monday. Dunlevy was using the forklift to move boats and campers. For unknown reasons, he fell. “He fell off the tow motor. The tow motor was still in gear, and it ran him over,” Coroner Francis Dutrow said. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating.
Worker Dies at QCells Plant in White
White, GA — A worker died at the Qcells facility in White this week, according to Bartow County authorities. According to a Cartersville Fire Department report: At around 7:15 p.m. Monday, Cartersville Fire personnel responded to 251 QCells Parkway, for a medical emergency. An Hispanic man in his mid-30s was found on top of a tank with no pulse and not breathing. CFD crews used SCBAs — self-contained breathing apparatus — and air monitoring while removing the patient from the tank. The oxygen level at the top of the tank was around 15%, a level too low to survive. The man was pronounced dead on site by Bartow County’s deputy coroner, with the cause of death still under investigation. Authorities say a nitrogen leak is a possible cause as no other chemicals or gases were being used in the area at the time.
Florence County deputy dies after crash, sheriff confirms
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – A Florence County deputy has died following a crash on Olanta Highway on Tuesday afternoon. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the crash happened around 4:20 p.m. on Olanta Highway near Blackwells Farm Road. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the deputy was driving north on Olanta Highway, and a GMC SUV was driving south when they collided. The deputy and the driver of the GMC were both taken to an area hospital for treatment. Sheriff TJ Joye confirmed the deputy succumbed to their injuries. In a social media post from the county’s emergency management, the deputy has been identified as Nate Ansay.
North Texas inmate dies after medical emergency while working on road, officials confirm
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — A North Texas inmate died after suffering a medical emergency while doing road work, authorities confirmed. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office (VZCSO) announced Wednesday that Andrew Mark “Tubby” Harris, of Grand Saline, was working outside of the jail with a road repair crew on May 12 when he suffered a medical emergency. In a statement, VZCSO said in the following moments, workers, deputies and other emergency personnel attempted CPR and other life-saving measures before Harris was taken to the Christus Medical Center in Canton, where he later passed away. According to the sheriff’s office, Harris was an inmate at the Van Zandt County Detention Center and a trustee, meaning he was able to volunteer to work outside of the jail. The sheriff’s office said Sheriff Kevin Bridger requested assistance from the Texas Rangers to investigate Harris’ death. “We take the safety of our inmates very seriously, we are certain Mr. Harris will be missed greatly by his friends and family. We pray for comfort for all his loved ones,” Bridger said. VZCSO said the investigation is ongoing, and the cause of death has not been released.
Tree trimmer hired by Gilbert landlord shot, killed by renter
GILBERT, Ariz. – A man who was renting a home near Power and Germann Roads allegedly shot and killed a landscaper who was hired by a landlord to trim trees. Wyatt Ford, 28, is accused of shooting and killing a man on May 19 near Power and Germann Roads. The victim, 51-year-old Manuel Lopez, was hired by the landlord to trim trees at the home. We’re learning new details about a deadly shooting that happened this week in a Gilbert neighborhood.
Falling tree claims life of 38-year-old arborist in Newaygo County
WHITE CLOUD, MI – An Arborist working in Newaygo County was killed when a tree infected with oak wilt fell and struck them. The 38-year-old was walking back onto a White Cloud property on May 14 after a lunch break when they were struck, according to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The incident took place approximately 60 feet away from the work area. The victim died on the scene. This is the eighth Michigan worker to die on the job this year.
West Penn Township man killed in excavator accident in Lehigh County
WEISENBERG TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an accidental death in Lehigh County. Troopers responded to the 3700 block of Spring Road in Weisenberg Township just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday. When they arrived, troopers learned that a 36-year-old man was critically injured while a person was using an excavator to remove fallen trees from a property. Police said that when the operator was rotating the excavator with a tree in the machine, the man was struck. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, is said to be from West Penn Township, according to police. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest, where he died from his injuries.
Steven Gill Killed In Logging Accident
West Penn Township, PA — Steven M. Gill, 36, most recently of West Penn Township, died after the accident in the 3700 block of Spring Road around 8:50 a.m., according to officials. Gill was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where he was pronounced dead at 9:49 a.m., the coroner’s office said. An autopsy completed Thursday determined he died from blunt force injuries. His death was ruled accidental. Gill worked as a tow truck operator for Mechanics Plus Towing and Transport, Inc. and was originally from Warsaw, New York, according to his social media. The Pennsylvania State Police–Fogelsville Station is investigating the incident.
NJ truck driver killed in Route 9 crash in Sayreville
SAYREVILLE, NJ – A 53-year-old Jersey City man died early May 22 after he was struck by a car while making repairs to his tractor-trailer on a Route 9 bridge. The man was identified as Jamal Ebron, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Sayreville Police Chief Daniel Plumacker. Around 4:51 a.m. May 22 Sayreville police were notified about a crash on the northbound side of the Edison Bridge on Route 9. When officers arrived, they found Ebron had been struck by a Hyundai Kona driven by a 33-year-old Old Bridge man. An initial investigation by Sayreville Officer Nicholas Kales and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Ken McGarry indicates the tractor-trailer, driven by Ebron, was disabled in the right lane and he was outside the vehicle attempting to make a repair to the truck when he was struck by the Hyundai, officials said. Ebron was pronounced deceased at the scene, the prosecutor’s office said.
South Trail firefighter dies in San Carlos Park house fire; investigation underway
San Carlos Park, FL — A veteran firefighter with the South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue Service District has been confirmed as the victim in the fatal house fire in San Carlos Park Wednesday, May 21. Firefighter/EMT Michael “Mike” McCarty died in the fire at his home on Caloosa Trace Circle, according to a statement released by South Trail Fire officials May 22. The fire broke out around 11:20 a.m., just north of San Carlos Park Elementary School. Several agencies, including South Trail Fire, Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, Greater Naples Fire Rescue District and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, responded.
Truck driver killed after crashing into Death Valley National Park building, brake malfunction suspected
Death Valley, CA — Officials say that a brake issue is the likely cause of a fatal semi truck crash that occurred in a California National Park on Tuesday. The crash occurred at 2:12 p.m. on May 20 in Death Valley National Park. A semi truck traveling on CA-190 between Stovepipe Wells and Towne Pass veered off the roadway and collided with the Emigrant Ranger Station, causing major structural damage. The driver of the truck died as a result of the crash. The National Park Service (NPS) stated that a brake malfunction is suspected.
21-year-old worker hit by equipment dies at Richland construction site
RICHLAND, WA — A 21-year-old man died at a Richland construction site after being hit by a front loader. The man, whose name has not been released, was working at the Westcliffe Heights subdivision near the corner of Epic Street and Ascend Street about 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Deputy Coroner Dennis Morris said the employee died at the scene. Details were not immediately available about how it occurred. Searchers recover body of DCNR park resource ranger in Neshaminy Creek at Tyler State Park
Park resource ranger missing after kayak capsizes in Neshaminy Creek
NEWTOWN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — Searchers recovered the body of a Bucks County park worker after an accident on the water. State police identified the worker as 38-year-old Alec Campbell, a Delaware County resident. Rescuers were called to Tyler State Park in Newtown Township on Friday after state police say a park resource ranger had been attempting to place a buoy in Neshaminy Creek when the kayak the worker was in capsized and the person went into the water. Chopper 6 over the scene shows a buoy and a life vest tossing in the water at the edge of a dam. Using a rope and inflatable boats, emergency crews searched for the worker for hours in the area near the dam. Late Friday afternoon, the rescue effort turned to a recovery mission. Sources tell Action News crews had to retreat because of the tough current. People who come here often and have interacted with the workers were shocked by this tragedy. “It’s a big park. Gosh, you think somebody was with him… If they had somebody else with him, they could’ve helped them and rescued them,” said Krissy Houser from Holland.
Clayton Lowes Foods employee died after being hit by SUV while working
Clayton, NC — A 52-year-old Lowes Foods employee has died after being hit by an SUV Friday afternoon. Clayton Police Department said Ann Grandfield was collecting shopping carts in the parking lot when a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe driven 56-year-old Charlie Lee Walker Jr. struck her. She was transported to WakeMed where she later died from her injuries. Police said Walker is charged with one count of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. The accident remains under investigation.
Worker electrocuted while trimming palm tree in SW Miami-Dade
SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – There was a tragedy on the job in a Southwest Miami-Dade neighborhood when a worker was electrocuted, authorities said. Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene of the incident in the area of Southwest 36th Street and 139th Avenue, at around 9:10 a.m. on Sunday. Investigators said the man was trimming a palm tree when he accidentally hit a power line. Deputies said he was already dead by the time they arrived.
Coworker Runs Over, Kills a Fontana Man by a Box Truck has been ID
OAK HILLS, CA.– A delivery worker was killed Friday evening when he was struck by his truck driven by a co-worker on a side street next to Interstate 15. First responders were called to the intersection of Oak Hill Rd and Caliente Rd. around 6:22pm on May 23, 2025. From the incident report three coworkers were travelling together in the box truck on I-15 Freeway when they decided to pull off the freeway and take a break, department spokeswoman Gloria Orejel said. “As they prepared to get back in the truck and onto the freeway, the driver was unaware the victim was near the truck and accidentally ran him over,” she said. ” The victim was deceased at the scene.” San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department Coroner has since identified the deceased coworker as 22-year-old Martin Emilio Camino Constante, resident of Fontana. The driver, and the other coworker, did remained at the scene and were cooperated with investigators, Orejel said.
Pomona man arrested for a fatal stabbing at a Tustin gas station
Tustin, CA — On May 24, 2025, at approximately 4:58 PM, the Tustin Police Department’s dispatch received 911 calls regarding an altercation at the 76-gas station located at 3071 Edinger Ave. in the City of Tustin. Police officers responded and located a 27-year-old male victim of a possible stabbing and immediately rendered medical aid. The victim was transported to Orange County Global Medical Center in critical condition and despite lifesaving efforts, succumbed to his wounds. Officers searched the area for the suspect after securing a picture of him from surveillance footage but were unable to locate him. Detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation which resulted in the identification of 51-year-old Jose de Jesus Herrera, a resident of Pomona, as the suspect. The investigation revealed Herrera and the victim were in an altercation which escalated into the stabbing of the victim. The suspect turned himself in to Tustin police detectives and he was later booked into the Orange County Jail for PC 187 – Murder.
Ohio deputy shot, killed while responding to domestic disturbance call on Memorial Day
MORROW COUNTY, Ohio — Morrow County sheriff’s deputy is dead after being shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call on Memorial Day. According to the sheriff, gunfire broke out when the deputy arrived at the scene. The suspect was also shot and is now in the hospital with serious injuries. The suspect has been identified by court documents as Brian Michael Wilson. A warrant for an aggravated murder charge has been filed. In a press conference Tuesday, the deputy was identified as 31-year-old Daniel Sherrer. He had joined the department in May 2021.