News Summary
Two construction workers tragically lost their lives in separate accidents on Minnesota highways within a short period. The first incident involved a worker struck by a reversing dump truck in a closed zone, while the second occurred when another worker was hit by a boom-equipped truck. These fatalities have raised serious safety concerns regarding construction zones, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and public awareness to protect workers.
Maple Grove, Minnesota – Two construction workers were killed in separate accidents on Twin Cities highways within a 48-hour span, raising serious concerns about safety in construction zones. The first incident occurred on Wednesday morning, and the second followed a day later on Thursday afternoon.
The latest fatal accident transpired shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday, when 25-year-old Adam Frederick Smith from Seymour, Wisconsin, was working in a closed construction zone on eastbound Highway 610 near the interchange with Interstate 94. Smith was on foot when he was struck by a dump truck that was reversing. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but unfortunately, they pronounced Smith dead at the scene. The truck involved in the tragic incident was driven by 57-year-old Dianand Sukhram from Port Charlotte, Florida. Sukhram, who was not injured in the incident, has a record of driving violations, including inspection decal offenses and driving without proof of insurance.
In the wake of the accident, eastbound lanes of Highway 610 between I-94 and Maple Grove Parkway were closed for several hours, only reopening around 6 p.m. on the same day to allow for an investigation and cleanup.
The day prior to Smith’s death, another construction worker, 29-year-old Pierre Raymon Mack from St. Paul, lost his life in a similar incident on southbound Interstate 35W near Highway 13. Mack was also working in a construction zone, away from passing vehicles, when he was struck by a truck equipped with a boom attachment. The truck’s driver, Kerry Don Ingram, 50, from North Branch, Minnesota, was not injured in this accident. Following the incident involving Mack, another truck driver clipped a stopped Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) truck, although fortunately, this resulted in no injuries. The driver of this truck has since been cited for hit-and-run and additional violations.
The rising number of construction zone accidents has become an alarming trend in Minnesota. According to data from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 36 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways since 1960. This history highlights the persistent dangers faced by those working in construction zones and underscores the need for enhancing safety measures and driver awareness.
As investigations continue into both incidents, authorities are reminding drivers of the critical importance of adhering to speed limits and driving safely through construction zones, where workers are often present. The safety of highway construction workers depends greatly on public cooperation and diligence.
The recent fatalities have shocked families, friends, and colleagues of the victims, as well as raising safety concerns among the construction community and legislators. As discussions around workplace safety gain momentum, both the public and private sectors may need to collaborate to implement stronger guidelines and protective measures to prevent further tragedies in the future.
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Additional Resources
- KSTP: Contractor Killed by Dump Truck
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone
- Star Tribune: Second Construction Worker Killed
- Google Search: Construction Worker Safety Statistics Minnesota
- CBS News: Maple Grove Construction Zone Crash
- Google Scholar: Construction Zone Safety
- Fox 9: Crash Causing Backups on Highway 610
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Willmar Radio: Two Men Killed in Construction Zone
- Google News: Construction Accidents Minnesota
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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
