The 43-year-old contract worker was reportedly crushed to death while using a portable toilet at a Florida landfill over the weekend in a freak accident. The victim was a spotter for heavy equipment coming in and out of the landfill. Authorities said he was reportedly crushed by a bulldozer while using a portapotty.
The 43-year-old man, Aaron Henderson, was a spotter for heavy equipment coming in and out of the landfill. Authorities said Henderson was reportedly crushed by a bulldozer while using a portapotty.
This unfortunate incident occurred Friday night as employees were putting away equipment and preparing to shut down the site for the day.
A heavy equipment operator, another contract worker, was reportedly operating a bulldozer at the landfill Friday afternoon while the 43-year-old victim was tasked with providing traffic control.
The driver took the bulldozer up an embankment towards a heavy equipment staging area to park at the end of the day.
While doing so, the front blade of his bulldozer was elevated 3-4 feet off the ground, and he could not see directly in front of him due to the blade obstructing his view, according to reports.
The driver then began to turn his bulldozer and heard a loud crumble. As he continued forward he noticed he went over a portable toilet which he was unaware was near the staging area, 10 TB reports.
The driver immediately exited the bulldozer and ran towards the portajohn to see if anyone was inside. Unfortunately, he saw the 43-year-old victim unresponsive inside the porta-potty.
The 43-year-old man was pronoucned dead at the scene.
The company officials released the following statement:
“The incident was a tragic accident. Our Board asks that you keep the family and friends of the deceased in your thoughts and prayers.”
Authorities reportedly said the tragedy appeared to be the result of an industrial accident.
It remains unclear if the driver will face any criminal charges.
An autopsy will be conducted, officials said. This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.