Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307419192 - Indiana Department Of Transportation

Inspection Information - Office: Indiana Department Of Labor

Investigation Summary

On February 03, 2005, Employee #1, a passenger in a vehicle of the Indiana Department of Transportation and a driver were instructed to pick up trash from the side of the road. The vehicle had crossed over the Wabash River bridge in the south bound lane of Interstate 65. The driver of the vehicle had activated the emergency lights. Both Employee #1 and the driver were wearing the appropriate reflective clothing, as required by INDOT. Employee #1 left the vehicle and was attempting to remove an abandoned hubcap from the side of the road. The hubcap was located approximately 200 ft from the end of the bridge. Employee #1 picked up the hubcap and was walking back to the vehicle when an automobile traveling in the right south bound lane attempted to move to the left lane and was struck by a van. The driver of the automobile lost control. The vehicle traveled back into the right lane and drove toward the bridge, hitting the bridge and Employee #1 with the front passenger side of the automobile. According to the state police, Employee #1's legs were amputated, and he died on the way to the hospital.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, VEHICLE, STRUCK BY, LOST CONTROL, PAINTER, REFLECTIVE VEST, LEG