LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) – The victim of the accident at the Public Works Department has been identified.
Trent Haines, 52 of Louisville, was pronounced dead on December 27 after an accident at the Public Works Department.
Officials said Haines was working with other crew members to load salt onto a conveyer belt at the West Road Maintenance Facility on the Outer Loop when he was somehow caught in the machinery. Haines sustained multiple blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is a difficult situation for all Metro employees and of course, as you draw closer into this department, into that unit, the impact gets greater,” said Public Works spokesperson, Harold Adams.
Adams said another employee there during the accident was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Adams said both employees were experienced and had worked with the department for “quite some time.”
“It's very tragic situation and certainly our prayers go out to the family,” said Dwight Mitchell with the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Police have ruled the death accidental.
This happened at one of the city's three road maintenance facilities. These employees often handle salt and snow response, as well as potholes and other issues on the roads.
Mayor Fischer released a statement following the accident:
“Today's accident at the Public Works yard on Outer Loop is a tragedy for our entire city — and a reminder of the difficult and potentially dangerous work city employees do everyday to keep Louisville safe. The tragedy occurred at the salt dome, where employees were serving our citizens by making preparations to keep our roads clean and clear during the holidays. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers.“Workplace safety has been a top focus of Metro Government with particular attention to heavy equipment in departments like Public Works. In addition to the OSHA review, I have ordered a similar internal review.”
