UPPER MERION, Pa. — A railroad worker, employed by the Brandywine Valley Railroad Co., was killed on Saturday, May 19, when an 1,800-pound roll of newsprint fell from a boxcar at the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News Schuylkill Printing Plant, crushing the victim to death.
The victim was identified as Jefferson L. Troester, 43, of Claymont, Del. Troester was employed by the Brandywine Valley Railroad Co. at the time of the incident.
According to Mark Block, a spokesman for Philadelphia Media Network, the newspapers’ parent company, the roll apparently had shifted in its boxcar during shipment and fell out about 9:30 a.m. when the train’s engineer opened the door.
Block said PMN officials were saddened to learn of Troester’s death at the plant on River Road.
“It’s an unfortunate event,” he said. “Our condolences go out to the Brandywine Valley Railroad and the family of the deceased.”
The accident will be investigated by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Railroad Association.
Source: Philly.com
Published by railroad injury lawyer Gordon & Elias, LLP. The FELA Lawyer News Blog is a FELA, train accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act, (FELA) allows injured railroad workers to recover compensation based on the negligence of the railroad company, in lieu of workers’ compensation. FELA defines negligence as the railroad company’s failure to use reasonable care.