A 53-year-old Waste Management employee died after being hit by a garbage truck in Cannon Falls, Minnesota on December 13, according to CBS News. The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim only as a 53-year-old male.
According to reports, the accident occurred when the garbage truck stopped at a pick up on its route. The driver put the truck in neutral and applied the air brakes before exiting the vehicle to pick up a can behind the truck, while his partner was in front of the truck. The truck began to roll forward, crushing the worker in the front before the driver had a chance to warn him it was rolling. Paramedics rushed him to Cannon Falls Hospital where died from injuries.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out the victim’s family and friends,” says Julie Ketchum, Waste Management’s spokeswoman. “Second, we are cooperating with local law enforcement regarding details of the accident.”
The Minnesota State Patrol towed the truck away for a thorough investigation.
“They look for signs of brake failure, is it in compliance with all the laws…,” said Goodhue County Sheriff Scott McNurlin. The investigation should determine whether the brakes were faulty or if this is an instance of driver error. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, please contact our firm for a free consultation.
Spevack Law Firm—Middlesex County truck accident attorneys
