News Summary
A tragic accident at a construction site near Lytle, Texas, has resulted in the death of a subcontractor. The incident occurred when he was struck by an articulating truck while working on a major data center project under development. Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to save him. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident, with a focus on site safety procedures and protocols.
Fatal Construction Incident Near San Antonio Claims Life of Subcontractor
San Antonio, Texas — A serious accident at a construction site near Lytle, Texas has resulted in the death of a 28-year-old subcontractor. Maurice McGowan was fatally injured on October 13 after being struck by an articulating truck while working on the site of a large data center project.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred during regular work hours at the Rowan Digital Infrastructure’s Cinco data center campus, currently under development. Emergency responders arrived promptly after the accident but could not save McGowan, pronouncing him dead at the scene. The precise circumstances leading to McGowan being hit remain under investigation by local authorities and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
About the Construction Project
The construction project on which McGowan was working began on August 7. It is planned to be a significant addition to the region’s digital infrastructure, with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW) of data center power. The development project involves a minimum investment of $900 million.
Currently, there is no announced completion date for the project. Turner Construction is serving as the general contractor, overseeing the construction activities, including site safety measures and project management.
Employment and Response
McGowan was employed as a subcontractor on this project, although the specific subcontracting firm has not been publicly identified. Following the accident, all work on the site has been temporarily suspended as a safety measure.
Turner Construction reported that its staff, along with onsite medics, responded immediately to the incident. The company stated that it is cooperating fully with investigations and is committed to understanding how the incident occurred to prevent future tragedies.
Safety Measures and Company Statements
Turner Construction emphasized its dedication to safety and the importance of maintaining a secure work environment. The company has not provided any specific details about whether safety protocols failed or what procedures might be reviewed. They have also indicated that support is being offered to those affected by the incident and are focused on a thorough investigation.
Statements from Rowan Digital Infrastructure
Rowan’s chief data center officer, Dan McNary, noted that safety is a priority across all projects and expressed condolences to those impacted. The company has assured that it is working closely with authorities during the investigation process.
Background Context
The Cinco data center project is part of a broader effort by Rowan Digital Infrastructure to enhance digital connectivity and cloud services. The project aims to deliver substantial data capacity, supporting the increasing demand for data storage and processing across Texas and beyond. The large-scale investment highlights the importance of data centers in modern digital infrastructure development.
Investigation and Future Outlook
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities examining safety protocols and site conditions. Occupational safety experts will review whether appropriate safety measures were in place to prevent accidents involving heavy equipment such as articulating trucks.
This incident underscores the risks inherent in large construction projects, particularly those involving heavy machinery and complex logistics. Ensuring strict safety standards remains a critical concern for companies involved in such high-stakes development efforts.
As the investigation continues, the industry and local community await further details. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive safety practices on construction sites, especially those undertaking large-scale critical infrastructure projects like the Cinco data center.
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Additional Resources
- Engineering News-Record: Worker is Identified in Fatal Turner Construction Data Center Incident
- Wikipedia: Occupational Safety and Health
- Engineering News-Record: Turner Construction Co. Involved in Fatal Data Center Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
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