Worker killed in accident at area construction site
By Mike Sigov | BLADE STAFF WRITER
Published on June 4, 2016
A man was killed at a construction site in the 3800 block of Starr Avenue while working on a pipeline project early Friday, authorities said. The area office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has six months to complete an investigation into the incident.
A central Michigan man was killed early Friday at a natural gas pipeline construction site in Oregon in an accident that included an excavator, authorities said.
Oregon Assistant Police Chief Paul Magdich said the worker was killed when he was pinned between some heavy equipment and a pipe in the 3800 block of Starr Avenue while working on the pipeline.
Detective Ryan Spangler said two people — the victim and the excavator operator — were the only two involved. The incident happened while pipe was being installed.
The victim was identified last night as Jacob Angelos, 29, of Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Dr. Diane Barnett, a Lucas County deputy coroner, said he was pronounced dead at the scene and that an autopsy is scheduled for today to determine the cause of death.
Richard Wall of Welded Construction LP of Perrysburg said his company will cooperate with the investigation.
“We suffered a tragedy today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends,” he said.
Oregon City Administrator Mike Beazley said the 22-mile long pipeline will feed natural gas to an electric plant under construction in Oregon.
The Oregon Lateral pipeline will extend from a gas interconnection system in Maumee to the new Oregon Clean Energy Center plant on North Lallendorf Road in Oregon.
The pipeline, being built and owned by North Coast Gas Transmission LLC of Columbus, was first proposed in October, 2014, to supply the $800 million electric plant that will generate 799 megawatts by using natural gas-fired generators. The privately owned electric plant is expected to be operating in May, 2017.
The pipeline will pass through Maumee, Perrysburg, Perrysburg Township, Rossford, Lake Township, Walbridge, Northwood, and Oregon. Perrysburg Township will have the longest section, 6.8 miles.
Michael Calderone, president and chief executive officer of Somerset Gas Transmission Co. and North Coast Gas Transmission, refused to answer questions about the project Friday.
Chad Positano, assistant area director for the Toledo office of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said the agency was aware of the incident and has six months to complete an investigation it has initiated.
“Our condolences go to the [deceased] worker’s family and friends,” Mr. Positano said.