Construction worker killed, crushed by cement pipe
Mar 9, 2018, 10:55 PM
SANDY — Thousands of pounds of falling cement caused the death of a construction worker, police said Friday.
Russell D. Andrews, 46, of Salt Lake City
Sandy City Police identified the victim as Russell D. Andrews, 46, of Salt Lake City— an employee of Blackrock Construction Company.
Sgt. Jason Nielsen told KSL TV the accident took place at about 2:30 p.m. near 11450 S. 1000 East, a business development site.
“The man was working in a trench when a piece of equipment malfunctioned, causing the piece of piping to fall on the gentleman,” Sgt. Nielsen said, although he did not specify what type of equipment malfunctioned.
There were a handful of construction workers at the site, and they were able to lift the piece of piping off of the man, Nielsen said, the cement piece weighed about 4,000 pounds.
“They performed life-saving measures to try to save the man, but he died before first responders could arrive on the scene,” Nielsen said.
“It’s horrible, so sad,” Donna Hoppe, a nearby resident told KSL TV.
The victim’s brother, Rick Smith, said Andrews’ leaves behind two children and a girlfriend. Smith also said he’s “upset he has yet to hear from Andrews’ employer about the accident.”
OSHA is investigating the accident.
KSL TV has reached out to Blackrock Construction Company for comment but hasn’t received a reply.
