News Summary
A 61-year-old quarry worker, James F. Gershman, tragically died after being trapped by a large rock in a Derry Township mineshaft. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after being rescued. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident, with a focus on mining safety regulations and protocols in place at the site. This accident highlights the potential dangers of mining work and the importance of stringent safety measures to protect workers in the industry.
Derry Township, Westmoreland County – A 61-year-old man has tragically died after being trapped underground by a large rock while working inside a mineshaft in Derry Township on Tuesday afternoon. The victim, identified as James F. Gershman from White Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, was involved in quarry operations when a 500-pound rock fell, injuring him critically.
The incident, which occurred at Derry Construction located on the 320 block of Quarry Road, prompted an urgent response from emergency personnel following reports of the accident. Fire services arrived at the scene by approximately 3:45 p.m. to assess the situation and provide immediate assistance to the trapped worker.
Despite the quick response, Gershman was pronounced dead at approximately 5:45 p.m., just over two hours after being trapped. He was a quarry employee and was performing his duties at the time of the accident. Westmoreland County Coroner, Timothy Carson, is overseeing the case and has stated that the official cause and manner of death will be determined after an autopsy and toxicology tests are completed.
In the wake of this tragic incident, the Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the accident. Preliminary assessments indicated the need for a medical helicopter to airlift the victim; however, this was subsequently canceled after first responders evaluated the situation at the site.
Heidelberg Materials, the operator of the quarry where the accident took place, has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. The quarry itself is positioned on the western slope of Chestnut Ridge and is notably visible from Torrance State Hospital, which serves as a landmark for the area.
This incident marks a significant loss not just for Gershman’s family and friends but also for the local community involved in quarry and mining operations, which often carry inherent risks. Understanding safety measures and risks associated with such environments remains a priority as investigations unfold. Mining accidents, while sometimes infrequent, underscore the dangers that workers may face in the field while contributing to the economy.
While further details surrounding the events leading up to the accident are still being uncovered, safety and regulatory compliance in the mining industry will likely come under scrutiny during and after the investigation. Authorities will be looking into how safety protocols were followed at the site leading up to the incident and whether any regulations were breached.
The community awaits additional information as the investigation progresses, hoping for clarity on the events that led to this unfortunate loss of life. Gershman’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the often dangerous nature of mining work and the importance of stringent safety practices to protect workers in the field.
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Additional Resources
- WTAE News
- Wikipedia: Mining Accident
- Indiana Gazette
- Google Search: Quarry Safety Protocols
- Tribune-Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mining
- WPXI News
- Google News: Workplace Safety
- WPXI Vote Now
- Google Scholar: Mine Safety Regulations
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
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.
