FedEx worker killed at Willington facility (CT)

Thoughts and prayers to all affected by this tragedy.

 

Kind of reminds me of one of the very first lessons my mentor taught me when I was first starting out: when walking through a terminal, truck stop or rest area, always have your head on a swivel; never cross too close to the fronts of trucks at the fuel aisle ('cause even the sloped-nose aero models will completely lose sight of you if you walk too close to the grille); and never walk between the backs of trailers when travelling through truck parking.

Not saying the driver was guilty of any of these things (R.I.P.) but not doing these things is a good way to eventually meet the same fate this guy did.

 

I've actually been to that facility. Not much room for error there in spite of its modest size.

 

He was killed due to error from another driver trying to connect a set together that pushed a 53ft trailer into his while raising his landing gear

 

Prayers for his family.

 

Similar thing happened to an ODFL driver when I was there, in Texas. Apparently hooking up a set alone, didn't have tractor or trailer brakes set, and on an incline. The set was held by the locked trailer brakes on the rear trailer, but when he opened the valves at the back of the front trailer - it released the rear, jackknifing the set with him crushed in between. He was found several hours later.

Always develop a safe systematic procedure with hook/drop, and don't be distracted.

 

Is it possible for you to email me about this accident. Atgs1987@yahoo.com. I am his sister.

 

Sorry for your loss Ma'am.

 

Up in Fort Collins I myself personally was almost killed by my own trailer and wash dock which those of us who have been up there is mostly a poured concrete block on sharp steel all around on it for decking etc.

I was very tired, just finished approx 2000 miles to get there, stumbled out of the tractor, threw down the landing gear, yanked the 5th wheel.. gaurd hand me the wash ticket and papers and I started walking that way while sleeping one foot in front of another after I moved the bobtail out from under my trailer so yard jockey can get it.

He got it alright. Revved the engine racing for the washbay, Swung into a big half circle stopped quick big hiss of air then roared back at top speed for his reverse gear. There I was a dead man between the oncoming trailer (*My own no less..) and the steel and concrete wash bay I jumped for my life glad I made it.

One thing for sure, you get awake really sharp and hard very fast. And stay awake for a week after something like that. Better than dead for enternity.