News sources are reporting that a construction worker died in Maplewood, Minnesota Monday after the crane he was operating tipped over.
A spokesperson for the Maplewood Police Department said 34-year-old Cory Lewellin was trying to move a large beam into place at the worksite when the crane fell onto its side. Lewellin sustained mortal injuries from being cut by the dirt-filled cab and was prounced dead after being transported to a hospital.
The accident took place at a church which is putting an addition on its facility. Loose soil conditions may have been a factor.
Minnesota OSHA is investigating.
According to a state report released this year, 60 Minnesota workers were fatally injured on the job in 2011 – down from 70 in 2010. The construction industry had highest rate of accidents.
