How workers died last week: Rail incident, gas leak, fall, school violence, tree care, vehicle incidents and 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. Why We Write The Weekly Toll
Authorities investigate the death of a rail conductor who was struck by a train in Montana
COLUMBUS, Montana (AP) — Authorities were investigating the death of a rail conductor who was hit by a passing train Sunday in Montana, the National Transportation Safety Board said. The conductor worked for BNSF Railway, the agency said in a post on the social media site X. BNSF Railway operates one of the largest freight railway networks in the U.S. The incident occurred at about 9:40 a.m. in Columbus, a town of about 2,000 people 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Billings. Emergency response officials weren’t sure what happened other than that an individual was between two trains, said Nick Jacobs, Columbus Fire Rescue’s assistant chief. One train was parked on one track and the other train was moving on another track, he said. “And the moving one struck him somehow,” Jacobs said. The NTSB and Federal Railroad Administration officials were at the scene, Jacobs said. A spokesperson for BNSF said the company was referring all questions to the NTSB. The identity of the deceased was not immediately released. A report by the Federal Railroad Administration last year found BNSF was generally striving to improve safety on a consistent basis, but that message didn’t always reach front-line workers who often didn’t feel comfortable reporting safety concerns for fear of being disciplined.
Employee who died at Pepsi plant might have been pinned between trailer and dock
San Antonio, TX — An employee died Wednesday at San Antonio’s Pepsi bottling plant on the Northeast Side, possibly pinned between a trailer and a loading dock, according to the San Antonio Fire Department. Fire crews responded around 1 p.m. to the plant at 6100 NE Loop 410. Someone had called to report that a person was “possibly pinned between a trailer and loading dock,” according to SAFD spokesperson Joe Arrington. When first responders arrived, someone was performing CPR on the man. Firefighters and medics took over, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Contractors identified after one killed, other injured in Gibson County gas leak
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. (WEVV) — We have learned the identities of two people who were involved in a deadly gas leak in Gibson County. The incident happened at a home on the corner of Willard Street and Strain Street in Fort Branch. We’re told a 911 call came in just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday night for a report of a gas leak and two people unresponsive. The incident claimed the life of a man and left a woman in serious but stable condition, according to the sheriff’s office. The man who died has been identified as 24-year-old Dylan Coston of Haubstadt, while the woman in serious condition was identified as 24-year-old Faith Brown of Evansville. Authorities say Coston and Brown were contractors who had been working at the home all day. The coroner’s office says Coston and Brown were overcome by a high level of Carbon Monoxide.
Trooper killed in crash on Route 11
CANFIELD, OH — The trooper involved in a multi-vehicle crash is confirmed dead, the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced in a Thursday evening news release. In a statement from the OSHP Facebook page: “The Ohio State Highway Patrol is mourning the loss of Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, of the Canfield Post, after he died as a result of being hit while in his cruiser by a semi-truck on state Route 11 south of U.S. 224 in Canfield, Ohio. Trooper Cayton was assisting a disabled commercial vehicle at the time of the crash.” According to the release, Cayton, 40, responded to state Route 11 northbound following a report of a disabled 2024 Kenworth semi tractor-trailer in the right lane, and upon making contact with the driver, Nelson De Jesus Herrera Vasquez, 65, of Florida, it was determined that the Kenworth had struck an item in the roadway. The release states Cayton was sitting in his cruiser with its emergency overhead lights activated when a 2007 Mack Granite, driven by Ryan Rach, 35, of Canfield, traveling northbound, crashed into the back of his cruiser. The cruiser traveled forward into the back of Vasquez’s disabled tractor-trailer, also striking Vasquez, who was standing outside of his vehicle. Cayton was pronounced dead at the scene, while Vasquez was life-flighted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Taco Bell employee shot and killed at Indian Trail restaurant
INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. — A Taco Bell employee was shot and killed at the Indian Trail restaurant Monday night, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the restaurant shortly before 9 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. The victim, an employee of the restaurant, died as a result of the shooting. The suspect fled in a vehicle, and investigators are now working to compile a description of the suspect and the car, deputies said. Authorities said detectives are gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the shooting.
One employee dead in tragic ‘incident’ at First Solar energy plant just a year after another death at different site
Perrysburg, OH — An employee died while working at a leading manufacturing plant, marking the second death at the company in less than a year. Police are investigating the early morning tragedy that happened on Monday, October 13. This is the second time an employee died at the company. The employee’s death came after officers responded to a 911 call saying that there was an unconscious, not breathing person at First Solar in Perrysburg, Ohio. On the 911 call, a man’s voice could be heard on the recording, saying, “Trauma to the chest.” According to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, Sy Doan, 28, died from multiple blunt force injuries to the chest with compressive asphyxia.
Worker Dies After Being Struck by Falling Overhang At Ridgefield Construction Site
RIDGEFIELD, CT — A 69-year-old Danbury man died Friday after being struck by a wooden overhang while working at a construction site in Ridgefield, according to police. Police said officers responded around 9:15 a.m. Oct. 10 to 100 East Ridge Road for a report of a worker injured during construction. The man was taken to Danbury Hospital by the Ridgefield Fire Department, where he was pronounced dead several hours later. A preliminary investigation found the man was among several workers performing exterior construction on the building when the overhang fell and struck him, police said. The victim’s family identified the man as Randolph “Randy” Keeler, who his daughter, Kierra Southern, said died before he even reached the hospital.
Driver Dies in Manassas Commercial Truck Crash on Prince William Parkway; Medical Emergency Suspected
Manassas, VA — According to information released by the Prince William County Police Department, a 35-year-old commercial driver from California was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning in Manassas. Officers responded around 4:45 a.m. to the area of Prince William Parkway and Hansen Farm Road. The initial investigation indicated that the driver of a 2022 Mack Anthem truck was traveling east, left the roadway onto the right shoulder, and struck a guardrail. The driver was transported to a hospital and later died. Police said it is believed the driver may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash. Witnesses were asked to share any information with law enforcement.
Truck driver killed in crash on I-80/94 in Lake Station
LAKE COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) – A truck driver is dead after a crash on I-80/94 on Monday afternoon in Lake Station. According to Indiana State Police, the crash happened at 4 p.m. just one mile east of the I-65 interchange. Troopers say a gravel truck hit the median wall and the trailer overturned, causing gravel to be thrown across all lanes of the westbound interstate. According to investigators, the truck burst into flames after hitting the median wall and the driver got trapped inside the cab. The driver died at the scene. He or she has not been identified yet.
Motiva contract worker killed
Port Arthur, TX — A contract worker at Motiva has been killed and the company is investigating the circumstances leading up to his death. Justice of the Peace Kalan Gardner tells KFDM the man died Monday afternoon at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. The judge has ordered an autopsy. Motiva confirms the contractor with Newtron died at about 2:50 Monday afternoon.
Marinette County medical examiner confirms ‘industrial death’ at Johnson Controls
MARINETTE, WI — Officials are investigating a fatal workplace incident that occurred Monday in Marinette. It happened at Johnson Controls’ Industrial Parkway facility “as the result of an accident.” In a statement Tuesday to FOX 11, Marinette County Medical Examiner Kalynn Van Ermen confirmed her office is “investigating an industrial death at Johnson Controls.” She was unable to provide any more information.
Person dies after falling from cell tower in Iowa
Marion, IA — A person has died after falling from a cell tower outside Cedar Rapids. The Marion Fire Department was called to 3602 N 10th Street in Marion around 12:30 pm on October 10 for a person who had fallen from a cell tower and was described as unconscious and bleeding. Emergency services tried to resuscitate the person but were unsuccessful, pronouncing the individual dead at the scene. Crews were working on the tower at the time the person fell. The identity of the person has not been shared. According to Wireless Estimator, the tower is owned by Array Digital Infrastructure (formerly UScellular). The worker was reportedly employed by Premise, Inc., a telecommunications contractor. Known as one of the most dangerous jobs in America, fatalities at cell tower sites are not uncommon, with at least three other engineers being killed at cell sites this year alone in the US.
Massachusetts school worker dies after alleged student assault
SWANSEA, Mass. (WWLP) – A Massachusetts school worker, Amy Morrell, has died after being allegedly attacked by a 14-year-old student. NBC Boston states that the incident occurred at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea when the student allegedly kicked Morrell in the chest while she and other staff members attempted to restrain the teenager. Morrell collapsed shortly after the attack and was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday night, where she later died the following afternoon.
Truck Driver Killed in Two-Truck Collision on I-20 in Louisiana
Bienville Parish, LA (October 15, 2025) – A truck driver was killed early Wednesday morning in a collision involving two tractor-trailers on Interstate 20 in Bienville Parish, according to Louisiana State Police and The Trucker. The crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. on I-20 near the village of Taylor. Investigators said a 2021 Peterbilt was parked on the shoulder when it was hit by a 2018 Freightliner traveling westbound. The impact caused both trucks to catch fire, engulfing the Peterbilt’s cab. The driver of the parked truck was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other truck driver escaped with minor injuries.
Explosion Kills Worker at Walden Scrap Yard
Montgomery, NY — A Middletown man was killed Tuesday morning in an industrial accident at ASAP Scrap Recycling on Route 208, according to the Town of Montgomery Police Department. Police said officers and members of the Walden Fire Department were dispatched at about 10:40 a.m. for a reported explosion with injuries. When they arrived, there was no active fire, but they found a 50-year-old employee dead at the scene. The man was reportedly using a cutting torch when the explosion occurred, police said.
2 security guards killed in S.C. bar shooting, 3 others hurt
ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson County Coroner’s Office says two security guards were killed when gunfire broke out at a bar early Sunday morning. Officers with the Anderson Police Department were called to Truth Bar & Grill at 208 W. Franklin St. after a shooting that was reported just after 3:15 a.m. Investigators said a total of five people were shot – two of them fatally. The coroner’s office said Calvin Chester Jr., 54, and Roymad McDaniel, 30, both worked as security guards at the establishment. According to officials, an altercation occurred shortly before the gunfire. Chester was shot in the head, and McDaniel was shot in the chest. Their manner of death has been ruled homicide.
Kansas City tree trimmer dies from injuries following severe shock
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A tree trimmer died from severe injuries he suffered while on the job last week. The worker was a member of IBEW Local 53. The union confirmed his passing Thursday. The Kansas City Fire Department responded to a high-angle rescue around 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The department said firefighters located the tree trimmer suspended by his safety rope. He was unconscious when emergency workers arrived. KCFD said the man somehow came in contact with an overhead power line as he worked and was shocked. Emergency crews transported him to a hospital with critical injuries, where he passed away. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, opened an investigation into his death. Online records show the tree trimmer worked for Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC. The OSHA investigation was officially opened on Oct. 8, according to online records. More here.
Man Dies on Farm
Wythe County, VA — A 21-year-old Wythe County native was killed in a farming accident on Oct. 9. Justin Matthew Martin, 21, died in a tractor accident last week.
Postal worker dies after crash in northwest Harris County; driver charged
HOUSTON, TX – A postal worker is dead, and a driver is in custody following a crash on Antoine Drive in northwest Harris County, according to the sheriff. The crash was reported Saturday morning in the 11700 block of Antoine, near West Greens Road. Authorities say the crash involved a postal vehicle and a pickup truck. The driver of the postal vehicle, later identified as 58-year-old Steven Marks, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced deceased. According to a sergeant at the scene, the pickup driver fled a minor crash on Antoine and Veterans Memorial Drive. The driver was allegedly speeding and lost control when he rear-ended the postal truck.