Inspection Detail

Inspection: 303772024 - Douglas Asphalt Company

Inspection Information - Office: Savannah Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on July 29, 2002, Employees #1 through #5 were working in the median of an Interstate highway when a semi truck loaded with PVC pipes veered into the median from the southbound lane. The truck drove down the median for approximately 1,400 ft until it struck a backhoe and another company vehicle. The load of PVC pipes went flying from the truck after it hit the other vehicles. Employee #1 was struck in the head and chest by the flying pipes and was killed. Employees #2 through #5 had just finished fixing a pipe inside of the drainage box and were struck by the flying pipes as they emerged. All four Employees sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital. Employee #2 suffered a concussion and other head injuries and was hospitalized. Employee #3 sustained one or more fractures and was admitted to the hospital. Employees #4 and #5 were treated and released the same day. The truck itself pushed the backhoe approximately 50 ft before it overturned. According to the coroner, the truck driver had apparently suffered a massive heart attack and died just before the accident.

Keywords: CHEST, HEAD, HIGHWAY, HEART ATTACK, CONSTRUCTION, COLLISION, TRUCK, STRUCK BY, FLYING OBJECT, LOST CONTROL