On the morning of November 17, 2023, a devastating event took place in the East Village of New York City, resulting in the untimely death of a 19-year-old man. The incident involved the victim’s father, a 42-year-old man, who was operating a cherry picker at the time.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., a construction crew was working at the intersection of First Avenue and East 7th Street. The father and son were part of the crew, with the 19-year-old serving as a guide and directing traffic while his father operated the cherry picker in reverse.
Eyewitnesses reported that the son had approached the cherry picker’s wheels too closely, resulting in a crushing accident. Despite the prompt arrival of emergency responders, the young man was declared dead at the scene.
“I saw the wheel go over the flagger,” said a bicyclist who witnessed the accident, describing it as a gruesome scene.
Federal workplace safety officials are currently investigating the incident. According to the New York City Police Department, there is no indication of any criminal activity in relation to the incident.
According to witnesses, the cherry picker’s design and blind spots were emphasized, leading to the recommendation that individuals maintain a distance of at least 10 to 15 feet from the back tire when it is in reverse.
After visiting the accident scene, a member of the New York City Council expressed deep sorrow, calling it a heartbreaking tragedy. The council member offered their thoughts and prayers to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.
The family of the victim is currently in the process of making arrangements for the funeral. This tragic incident serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of ensuring workplace safety. Employers have a responsibility to take all necessary measures to safeguard their employees from harm, while workers have a duty to be mindful of the potential hazards associated with their job and take the appropriate precautions.
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