A Washington, D.C. construction worker lost his life last month when a heavy load of clay-like dirt collapsed on him in northeast DC. The construction accident happened when workers were performing utility work in a trench on Evarts Street. According to a fire department spokesperson, rescue workers arrived at the work site shortly after 5 p.m. Approximately 75 fire and rescue workers tried for three hours to save the worker.
Rescue workers could see the top of the victim’s head, but he was slumped over and unable to communicate. Workers initially sent a search dog to check for signs of life and then a camera. A medic was eventually able to connect the victim to heart-monitoring equipment but discovered he passed away. The fire department spokesperson said the victim succumbed to fatal compression injuries. Rescue workers pulled out the victim’s body around midnight.
The DC Department of Transportation, the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) all provided assistance at the fatal accident scene.
Construction is a dangerous industry. If you or someone you know suffers injuries on a construction site, contact a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer experienced in construction accidents and injuries. Roger Johnson is a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, and he can offer a free consultation about financial recovery for your injuries.