News Summary
Tragic accidents on Twin Cities highways have resulted in the deaths of two construction workers within just 48 hours. Both incidents took place in closed construction zones, raising concerns about safety practices on Minnesota roads. The fatalities highlight the persistent hazards construction workers face, prompting calls for improved safety measures.
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Two Construction Workers Killed in Separate Accidents on Twin Cities Highways Within 48 Hours
Two separate accidents involving construction workers occurred within two days on highways in the Twin Cities area, resulting in two fatalities. The incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns in construction zones on Minnesota roads.
Latest Incident on Highway 610
The most recent fatality occurred just before 2 p.m. on Thursday along eastbound Highway 610 near the interchange with Interstate 94 in Maple Grove. A construction worker, Adam Frederick Smith, aged 25 and a resident of Seymour, Wisconsin, was struck and killed while walking within a closed construction zone. According to reports, he was hit by a dump truck that was reversing in the area.
Emergency responders confirmed Smith’s death at the scene. The driver of the truck, Dianand Sukhram, aged 57 from Port Charlotte, Florida, was not injured in the accident. Investigations revealed that Sukhram has a history of driving violations, including issues with inspection decals and driving without proof of insurance. The incident occurred in a construction zone managed by New Look Contracting, based in Rogers, Minnesota.
Following the crash, authorities closed eastbound lanes of Highway 610 between I-94 and Maple Grove Parkway. These lanes remained shut until approximately 6 p.m. to facilitate the investigation and cleanup efforts.
Incident on Interstate 35W
Just a day earlier, another construction-related fatality took place on Interstate 35W. On Wednesday morning, Pierre Raymon Mack, aged 29 and from St. Paul, was struck and killed while working in a construction zone on the southbound side near Highway 13. Mack was walking in a closed area when he was hit by a truck equipped with a boom attachment.
The driver involved in this incident, Kerry Don Ingram, aged 50 from North Branch, Minnesota, was not injured. The investigation indicated Mack was in a designated work zone away from active traffic lanes at the time of the accident.
Later, another truck involved in the incident clipped a stopped Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) truck. The driver avoided injury but received a citation for hit-and-run and other violations, including failing to stay at the scene.
Safety and Historical Context
Minnesota’s highway safety record highlights the risks faced by those working in construction zones. Since 1960, a total of 36 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways, underscoring the persistent hazards in this industry.
These recent accidents serve as a reminder of the importance of strict safety measures and awareness in construction zones. Authorities continue to investigate the incidents to determine contributing factors and to improve safety protocols for workers and drivers alike.
Conclusion
The Twin Cities area continues to see tragic incidents involving construction workers on busy highways. Emergency crews responded quickly to both crashes, but the losses highlight the ongoing need for heightened safety oversight in road work zones.
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Additional Resources
- KSTP: Contractor Killed by Dump Truck
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone
- Star Tribune: Second Construction Worker Killed
- Google Search: Construction Worker Safety Statistics Minnesota
- CBS News: Maple Grove Construction Zone Crash
- Google Scholar: Construction Zone Safety
- Fox 9: Crash Causing Backups on Highway 610
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Willmar Radio: Two Men Killed in Construction Zone
- Google News: Construction Accidents Minnesota
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