Date:
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Contact:
Glenn Schneider, WSDOT Construction Engineer, (360) 905-2005
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058
GOLDENDALE – An accident at the US 97 Biggs Bridge Deck Replacement project in Klickitat County has claimed the life of a construction worker. A Mowat Construction Company excavator rig tipped over and went off the bridge deck into the Columbia River, taking the operator with it. The construction worker was transported to the hospital, and later succumbed to his injuries.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, the rest of his crew, and the entire Mowat organization,” said Paula Hammond, Transportation Secretary. “This is a very difficult time for them and for us.”
“It is also another somber reminder that our work and our work zones require the highest level of safety and precaution.”
WSDOT Southwest Region Administrator Don Wagner added “We are asking that the media and the public please be considerate towards the Mowat family at this time, and give them time to grieve. This is an ongoing investigation with many questions still unanswered.”
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is currently investigating the incident.
For information regarding the US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge Deck Replacement project, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/US97/BiggsBridge/.
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