News Summary
In a tragic turn of events, two construction workers lost their lives in separate accidents on Twin Cities highways within a 48-hour period. The incidents occurred in closed construction zones on Highway 610 and Interstate 35W, raising serious safety concerns. Both workers were struck by vehicles while on foot, leading to investigations and renewed calls for enhanced safety measures in highway construction zones. The fatalities highlight ongoing risks faced by construction personnel on busy roads, prompting discussions on the enforcement of safety protocols.
Minneapolis: Two Construction Workers Killed in Separate Accidents on Twin Cities Highways Within 48 Hours
In the Twin Cities, Minnesota, two separate fatal incidents involving construction workers have occurred within a span of two days, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in highway construction zones. The events involved two distinct accidents on different highways, with one worker losing life on Thursday and another on Wednesday.
Latest Incident on Highway 610
The most recent tragedy happened shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday on eastbound Highway 610 near the interchange with Interstate 94 in Maple Grove. A construction worker was struck and killed while walking within a closed construction zone. The worker, identified as Adam Frederick Smith, aged 25, from Seymour, Wisconsin, was reportedly on foot in an area restricted due to ongoing construction activities when he was hit by a reversing dump truck.
Emergency responders arrived promptly and confirmed Adam Smith’s death at the scene. The driver of the dump truck, Dianand Sukhram, 57, of Port Charlotte, Florida, was not injured. Investigators noted that Sukhram has a history of driving violations, including inspection decal violations and driving without proof of insurance. The construction zone where the incident occurred was managed by New Look Contracting, a company based in Rogers, Minnesota.
Following the accident, authorities closed the eastbound lanes of Highway 610 between I-94 and Maple Grove Parkway. The lanes remained closed until approximately 6 p.m. the same day, causing significant traffic disruptions. An investigation remains ongoing to determine the precise circumstances leading to the collision.
Incident on Interstate 35W
The previous day, on Wednesday morning, another construction worker also lost his life in a separate incident. Pierre Raymon Mack, aged 29, from St. Paul, was working on southbound Interstate 35W near Highway 13 when he was tragically struck and killed. Mack was in a closed construction zone and was on foot when a truck with a boom attachment hit him.
The driver involved in Mack’s accident, Kerry Don Ingram, 50, of North Branch, was not injured. In the aftermath, another truck driver clipped a stopped Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) vehicle, resulting in no injuries but leading to a citation for hit and run and other violations against the truck driver. Authorities continue to examine the details surrounding this incident.
Broader Context and Safety Concerns
These recent accidents underscore longstanding safety challenges within Minnesota’s highway construction zones. Since 1960, 36 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways, according to reports from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The fatalities highlight the inherent risks of construction work on busy roads, especially in areas where safety protocols may sometimes be compromised.
State and local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of strict safety measures and adherence to traffic laws to protect workers in construction zones. The incidents have prompted renewed calls for increased safety oversight and enhanced protection strategies for all personnel working near active highway traffic.
Summary
Within 48 hours, Minnesota experienced two tragic fatalities involving construction workers on Twin Cities highways. The incidents, separate in location and circumstances, both occurred within closed construction zones and resulted in the deaths of Adam Smith and Pierre Mack. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify the causes of these tragedies, as safety experts reiterate the importance of vigilance and proper safety protocols in highway work zones to prevent future loss of life.
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Additional Resources
- KSTP: Contractor Killed by Dump Truck
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone
- Star Tribune: Second Construction Worker Killed
- Google Search: Construction Worker Safety Statistics Minnesota
- CBS News: Maple Grove Construction Zone Crash
- Google Scholar: Construction Zone Safety
- Fox 9: Crash Causing Backups on Highway 610
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Willmar Radio: Two Men Killed in Construction Zone
- Google News: Construction Accidents Minnesota
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