News Summary
The Twin Cities area witnessed a tragic series of accidents resulting in the deaths of two construction workers within 48 hours. Adam Frederick Smith and Pierre Raymon Mack lost their lives while working in active construction zones, highlighting severe safety concerns. Both incidents involved workers being struck by vehicles, raising alarms about the risks faced by those in highway construction. The community mourns these losses, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in construction areas.
Maple Grove, Minnesota – Two construction workers tragically lost their lives in separate accidents on highways in the Twin Cities area within just 48 hours. The incidents underscore the dangers faced by workers in active construction zones.
The latest accident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday on eastbound Highway 610, near the interchange with Interstate 94 in Maple Grove. A contract worker, Adam Frederick Smith, 25, from Seymour, Wisconsin, was working on foot in a closed construction zone when he was struck by a reversing dump truck. Emergency responders arrived at the scene but declared Smith dead shortly thereafter.
The dump truck was being operated by Dianand Sukhram, 57, from Port Charlotte, Florida. Notably, Sukhram was unharmed during the incident. Records indicate that he has a history of driving violations, including inspection decal violations and driving without proof of insurance.
Following the collision, all eastbound lanes of Highway 610 between I-94 and Maple Grove Parkway were closed for several hours, reopening around 6 p.m. on the same day, causing significant traffic delays.
This accident follows another tragic incident that occurred just a day prior. On Wednesday morning, Pierre Raymon Mack, 29, from St. Paul, was struck and killed while working in a construction zone on southbound Interstate 35W near Highway 13. Like Smith, Mack was also on foot in a closed construction area when he was hit by a truck equipped with a boom attachment. The driver involved in Mack’s fatal incident, Kerry Don Ingram, 50, from North Branch, Minnesota, was reported to be uninjured.
Wednesday’s event resulted in additional complications when another truck driver clipped a stopped truck belonging to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) as they were responding to the emergency. Although no injuries occurred from this crash, the driver was cited for hit-and-run and other violations.
These recent fatalities highlight a troubling trend in construction zone safety. According to MnDOT, since 1960, there have been 36 deaths among MnDOT workers and 16 deaths among contractors while they performed their duties on Minnesota highways. This alarming statistic sheds light on the risks involved for workers tasked with maintaining and improving infrastructure.
The construction work occurring at the site of Smith’s accident was contracted to New Look Contracting based in Rogers, Minnesota. They are responsible for the ongoing roadwork that has turned these areas into active construction zones, which necessitates strict safety protocols for both workers and motorists.
As authorities examine the circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents, the focus remains on enhancing safety measures to protect those working along roadways. The loss of life in these accidents serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety regulations in construction zones.
As investigations continue into both incidents, the community grieves the loss of these young lives cut short, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and safety practices in highway construction areas throughout the state.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
