News Summary
A subcontractor, Maurice McGowan, lost his life in a tragic accident at a construction site for a new data center in Lytle, Texas. Struck by an articulating truck, McGowan was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the incident, construction work has been suspended as investigations by local authorities and OSHA are underway. The incident raises significant concerns about safety in construction environments, particularly for subcontracted workers. The project, backed by a $900 million investment, aims to bolster data infrastructure in the region amid increasing demand for digital capabilities.
Lytle, Texas – A tragic incident on October 13 has resulted in the death of a subcontractor, Maurice McGowan, who was fatally injured while working at a construction site for a 300-megawatt data center near San Antonio. McGowan, 28, was struck by an articulating truck during work hours, and emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The incident occurred on the construction site of Rowan Digital Infrastructure’s Cinco data center campus, which broke ground on August 7, 2023. This significant project is projected to deliver up to 300 megawatts of data center capacity and is backed by a minimum investment of $900 million. However, no completion date for the project has been announced as of yet.
Turner Construction, the general contractor overseeing the project, confirmed that McGowan was employed as a subcontractor, although the name of the subcontracting firm involved has not been released. In response to the incident, Turner Construction stated that its staff and onsite medics reacted immediately to the emergency.
Work Site Suspended
Following the fatal incident, all construction work at the site has been suspended. Turner Construction is fully cooperating with the investigation being conducted by local authorities and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The company has expressed a commitment to understanding the circumstances surrounding McGowan’s death, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.
Focus on Safety
Dan McNary, Rowan’s chief data center officer, stressed the priority of safety within the organization and remarked on the support being extended to individuals affected by this tragic event. The commitment to safety not only reflects the company’s operational ethos but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a secure working environment for all personnel involved in the construction and operation of the data center.
The Construction Project
The Cinco data center campus is part of a broader trend of increasing investment in data infrastructure, as the demand for data processing capacity continues to rise. With a total investment exceeding $900 million, the project symbolizes a significant commitment to expanding digital capabilities in the region. The scaling of these facilities is critical as sectors such as cloud computing and online services require increasingly robust data management systems.
Local Impact
The construction site, located in Lytle, Texas, plays a crucial role in the local economy by creating jobs and enhancing technological infrastructure. Such large-scale projects often draw a diverse workforce, including subcontractors like McGowan, who contribute to the advancement of modern technology. This unfortunate incident has raised awareness regarding safety in construction environments, particularly for subcontracted labor, which can often be vulnerable to workplace hazards.
Conclusion
This devastating event highlights the inherent risks associated with construction work, prompting industry stakeholders to re-evaluate safety protocols. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the welfare of workers and preventing future tragedies. The community, along with industry leaders, stands in support of those affected by this loss, underscoring the importance of safety and accountability in construction projects.
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Additional Resources
- Engineering News-Record: Worker is Identified in Fatal Turner Construction Data Center Incident
- Wikipedia: Occupational Safety and Health
- Engineering News-Record: Turner Construction Co. Involved in Fatal Data Center Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
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