An equipment operator with Cherry Hill Construction suffered minor injuries when his excavator fell into a basement at the former Carter Chevrolet building demolition site in Manchester, CT

June 13, 2018
Manchester , CT

A worker suffered minor injuries when an excavator fell into a hole at a construction site in Manchester Wednesday.

The fire department confirmed the accident at a site on Main Street. It was not immediately clear how the accident took place.

The town Fire Department responded to the scene, Assistant Chief David French said.

The operator, an employee of Cherry Hill Construction, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The company worked through the evening to remove the excavator.

An investigator from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to be on scene today and asked fire officials to take photos before the excavator was removed, French said.


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June 13, 2018
Manchester , CT
 
An excavator fell to the basement of a building that was being demolished Wednesday afternoon, according to the Manchester fire department.

The excavator fell through a hole in the former Carter Chevrolet building at the corner of Charter Oak and Main Streets.

The operator was transported to a hospital with minor injuries, the fire department said.

The Cherry Hill Construction company worked to remove the excavator from the partly demolished building Wednesday evening, officials said.

The building is being demolished to make way for a 14,600-square-foot CVS pharmacy and a smaller building. Plans for the demolition and the new structures were approved by the town’s planning and zoning commission in 2014.

Preliminary Accident Investigation Report: Railroad: CSX Transportation Freight Train Derailment. The subgrade fill was subsided from the track structure due to washout

Preliminary Report: Railroad: CSX Transportation Freight Train Derailment

A preliminary investigation revealed an area in a curve where the subgrade fill was subsided from the track structure. The investigators found that this fill was subsided for about 26 feet (at a depth of 18 inches) at MP 102.9.  

Accident Location: Alexandria , VA USA  

Accident Date: 5/19/2018

Accident ID: RRD18MR007

 

Executive Summary

 ​The information in this report is preliminary and will be either supplemented or corrected during the course of the investigation.

 

On May 19, 2018, about 7:02 a.m. eastern daylight time, southbound CSX Transportation (CSX) freight train X41518 derailed near mile post (MP) 102.9 while traveling on main track one. The derailment occurred about 500 feet north of two CSX bridges that cross over Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) tracks. A CSX bridge on main track one was extensively damaged; a CSX bridge for main tracks two and three remained in service. Some of the derailed CSX freight cars fouled the NS tracks that were below the bridge. (See figure 1.)

Figure 1. NTSB drone aerial photograph of damaged bridge and debris.

The train consisted of 3 locomotives and 167 mixed-freight cars (that is, 91 loaded cars and 76 empty cars). The train was 9,910 feet long with 14,394 trailing tons. None of the derailed cars were transporting hazardous material. Of the 31 derailed cars, 25 cars (in positions 42nd through the 66th) derailed at MP 102.9. An additional 6 cars (in positions 89th through 94th) derailed at MP 103.2. The train crew was uninjured. Damage is estimated to be between $5 and $7 million.

At the time of the accident, there were low clouds, wind was from the northeast at 9 mph, 7 miles of visibility with light rain (approximately 1/10 inch per hour), and the temperature was 58˚F. Prior to the derailment, a severe storm warning for this area had been in effect until May 19 at 3:00 a.m.  Rainfall in the area before the accident totaled approximately 5 1/2 inches over a 10-day period that began May 9, 2018.

A preliminary investigation revealed an area in a curve where the subgrade fill was subsided from the track structure. The investigators found that this fill was subsided for about 26 feet (at a depth of 18 inches) at MP 102.9. (See figures 2 and 3.) The NTSB investigators also identified a flange mark traversing over the top of the rail head in the curve and the at the location of the subsided subgrade.

Figure 2. Ballast subsided from the outside edge of the crossties.

Figure 3. NTSB aerial drone photograph taken after freight cars were removed from main track one;
ballast is subsided from outside edge of crossties.

Investigators accessed the lead locomotive and downloaded event recorder and video from the forward-facing video recorder. Based on the preliminary data from the event recorder, the train speed was about 38 mph at the time of the derailment.

The NTSB formed the following technical investigative working groups:

• Signal Systems
• Track and Engineering
• Mechanical/Equipment

Investigators inspected the track structure, the signal system, and the mechanical equipment. They are collecting and examining maintenance records. Investigators interviewed the CSX train crew and other CSX personnel. An NTSB aerial drone recorded the accident scene, especially the derailed equipment and the damaged bridge.

Parties to the investigation include the Federal Railroad Administration, the Virginia State Corporation Commission, CSX, and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division.

Probable Cause

​​The information in this report is preliminary and will be either supplemented or corrected during the course of the investigation.

65-year-old Duke Energy worker Clarence Sieveking Jr. died of asphyxiation

An autopsy of the Duke Energy Worker killed at Gallagher Station ruled 65-year-old Clarence Sieveking Jr. died of asphyxiation.

The report by Floyd County’s deputy coroner indicated the death was caused by an industrial accident, but did not specify what happened, the News and Tribune reported. An Indiana Department of Labor spokeswoman said a final report would take weeks, and Duke Energy spokeswoman Angeline Protogere said the company would conduct a thorough investigation.

At the time of his death last week, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said Sieveking died from injuries sustained from what was believed to be an accident.

Sieveking worked at the plant for 36 years.

The 280-MW Gallagher Station is slated to close as early as 2019.

Contractor R.F. Warder Inc. was completing “urgent” repairs to a drainage line running from a city pool, when the 15-foot trench caved in, killing Kyle Hancock of Glen Burnie. The trench in the 2000 block of Sinclair Lane had no protective shoring

Contractor was completing 'urgent' work on Baltimore City pool when trench collapse killed worker






Worker dies in trench collapse
Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs The Baltimore Sun


The contractor working in Northeast Baltimore when a 20-year-old man was killed in a trench collapse last week was completing “urgent” repairs to a drainage line running from a city pool.

City officials have repeatedly declined to provide details about the sewer work that R.F. Warder Inc. was performing when the 15-foot trench caved in, killing Kyle Hancock of Glen Burnie. But a work order obtained by The Baltimore Sun shows that a city recreation official requested that workers clear the line at the Clifton Park Pool and marked the job “urgent.” The pool is scheduled to open for summer on June 23.

The order shows that on May 16, a Department of Recreation and Parks official requested a contractor to blast through a clog in the line. A city official assigned the job to R.F. Warder on May 29.

A crew from the company was attempting to clear the line on June 5 when the trench collapsed. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health is investigating. Their probe is expected to take several weeks.


Company representatives have declined to comment since Hancock’s death.

Erin Sher Smyth, the city’s purchasing agent, said officials will give state investigators a CD of documents related to the company’s work with the city.

Fire officials have said the trench in the 2000 block of Sinclair Lane had no protective shoring. A federal law requires protection for workers in trenches more than five feet deep.

Rescue personnel removed two other workers who were trying to dig the 20-year-old out. Rescuers dug more than 20 feet down to retrieve Hancock’s body during a 10-hour recovery effort.

Smyth wrote to contractor Robert F. Warder Jr. that initial reports of the incident indicated that Hancock’s death resulted from the company’s “failure to comply with safety requirements relating to trenching.”

The city has suspended all work with R.F. Warder Inc., citing “life safety concerns,” Smyth wrote, and the city will examine the company’s “apparent breach” of its contract.

The suspension affects two contracts authorizing R.F. Warder to maintain chilled water systems, sewer lines and heating systems.

Roger E. Hartley, dean of the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore, said large, ongoing contracts such as R.F. Warder’s raise the question of how closely government officials monitor the work that is done. Government agencies in Washington and across the country are increasingly outsourcing work to private contractors. Often, Hartley said, the contractors are asked to follow guidelines and self-report the outcomes.

“You have to have measures in place to scrutinize and monitor them,” Hartley said. “You’ve given them the opportunity to do a lot of work for you. You have to make sure the accountability is there.”

The city will examine whether any city employee had a role in the incident, witnessed it, or was at the scene of the work, City Solicitor Andre M. Davis said.

Experts in workplace compliance and trench work have said that state investigators will try to determine whether there was an R.F. Warder employee at the site who knew the relevant safety regulations, could identify hazards and had the authority to correct any hazards, as federal regulations require.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Hancock's death an accident.

His funeral service was held on Sunday. More than $1,800 has been raised over two days via a GoFundMe website to cover the cost of Hancock’s funeral and other expenses.

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Kyle Ray Hancock was 20 years young when he tragically lost his life Tuesday June 5, 2018 at work. He was born in Baltimore to Kenneth Ray and Andrea Jo (Jacobs) Hancock. Kyle attended Anne Arundel County Public Schools and graduated from North County High School in 2016. Kyle was employed with the Steamfitters Local Union, where he was working toward a career in plumbing and HVAC.  Kyle was a soccer fan and was looking forward to cheering on the Germany National Team at the World Cup. He also really enjoyed playing his X-Box. Kyle enjoyed spending time with his small circle of close friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and his dog Max.  Kyle’s sense of humor will be missed .

This fundraiser is to help cover funeral cost and other expenses. Anything would be greatly appreciated and we thank everyone for all the love & support that we have received. My little brother was loved by so many

Jessie Mendoza Romero, a subcontractor worker of Caltrans killed by a tractor trailer while trying to pick up traffic cones on the 605 Freeway in Pico Rivera

Newlywed construction worker killed while working on 605 Fwy in Pico Rivera

A construction worker killed while trying to pick up traffic cones on the 605 Freeway in Pico Rivera earlier this week was just 33 years old and recently married.

PICO RIVERA, Calif. -- 

A construction worker killed while trying to pick up traffic cones on the 605 Freeway in Pico Rivera earlier this week was just 33 years old and recently married.

Jessie Romero knew the dangers of his job, his family said. His oldest brother Maro said Jessie was the youngest of seven.

"Jessie was loved by about a million people, I don't know. He touched lives everywhere, starting on freeways, starting on...you know, you never knew where he was going to touch lives," Maro said.

Jessie worked for a Caltrans subcontractor. He was simply doing his job when he was hit by a big rig shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday along the shoulder of the southbound 605 Freeway, near Peck Road.

"The driver of the truck tractor said he moved to the right to avoid a vehicle coming into his lane, and he believed he had enough room to make it by the other vehicle on the shoulder but he didn't," said California Highway Patrol Capt. David Moeller.

The tragic and deadly accident has left the Romero family devastated. Maro said Jessie married the love of his life less than a year ago.

Now, it's hard to believe he's gone, Maro said.

In dashcam video provided by the Romero family, you see Jessie pulling over to help out a driver in distress. Maro said the act was typical Jessie.

The Romero family made funeral arrangements - something Maro said he never thought his mother would have to do for one of her children.

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Man struck, killed by big rig on 605 Freeway in Pico Rivera




The accident occurred just south of Peck Road shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday morning.


By Christina Salvo
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 

PICO RIVERA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two lanes of the southbound 605 Freeway were closed just south of Peck Road in Pico Rivera after a deadly crash Tuesday morning.

Shortly before 5 a.m., a big rig truck struck and killed a subcontractor company driver who was exiting his pickup truck to pick up traffic cones on the shoulder.

Officials identified the victim as 33-year-old Jessie Mendoza Romero of Moreno Valley, Calif.

His body ended up about 100 feet south of his vehicle.

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Jessie M. Romero

On the morning of June 12, Jesse was struck and killed by a big rig, while picking up traffic control signs on the shoulder of Rte 605 in the City of Industry.    Jessie is survived by his wife Stephanie H. Romero.  All of us at MTC would appreciate any and all donations to help her through this horrific accident and time of need.

If you ever met Jessie in person you would know a few things about him. He was a bit high strung. He always had a smile on his face. He was always upbeat and had a positive outlook. He was a lot of things to a lot of people; friend, husband, employee, co-worker, brother, mentor.  When it came to work, Jessie was the first person to ask for more but he was also the first to say thank you for any shift he was scheduled on. Everything was a "blessing". He always expressed gratitude for every opportunity he was given and took pride in doing his job well. He never made his problems anyone else's.  He carried himself with confidence but was humble as well and was always willing to learn something new. He never shied away from a challenge and welcomed a tough assignment.  When Jessie came into the office, he always managed to put a smile on everyone's face.  I'd imagine that's how he was in his personal life as well.  A well liked, intelligent man with ambition and drive who took great pride in his own personal accomplishments, his work ethic and his family.  Jessie will be sorely missed.