RUIDOSO, N.M. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and New Mexico State Police are investigating after a worker died at a Ruidoso water treatment plant.
KOB-TV reports that John Ramos died Wednesday while working at the Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant. Plant managers say Ramos was trying to clear a build-up of grease and foam in one of the basins where sludge is treated when he lost his footing and fell in.
Village of Ruidoso spokeswoman Kerry Gladden says a safety line was thrown to Ramos, but the contents of the tank where he fell is toxic. Attempts to save Ramos were unsuccessful.
Ramos had worked for the village for more than 30 years.
Village employee John Ramos killed in industrial accident at Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant
Ruidoso News Reports 5:07 p.m. MDT July 13, 2016
RUIDOSO, NM – July 13, 2016 – At approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning, there was an industrial accident at the Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant that is operated by the Village of Ruidoso. The accident resulted in the death of longtime Village employee, John Ramos.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have taken place today,” said Mayor Tom Battin. “John was a member of our Village family, and his death has shaken us to our core.”
Ramos has worked for the Village of Ruidoso for 30 years and had retired as the Waste Water Treatment Plant director in 2008. He returned to work at the Waste Water Treatment Plant in 2010 as the Plant Operator/Lab Tech Operator and has worked in that position for the past six years.
“It is very difficult to find words that express the sadness that we feel today,” said Village Manager Debi Lee. “Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to John’s wife and family
during this incredibly difficult time. He was a great man that was dedicated to his family and to this Village.”
Because the incident is being considered an industrial accident, OSHA was immediately called in along with the New Mexico State Police, who will conduct the official investigation into the incident.
The services provided by the Waste Water Treatment Plant will not be interrupted.
The staff at the Ruidoso News would also like to express our heartfelt sympathy to John's family, friends and coworkers.