News Summary
A 61-year-old miner, James F. Gershman, tragically lost his life after a 500-pound rock fell and trapped him underground at a quarry in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. Emergency responders attempted to rescue him, but he was pronounced dead after two hours. The incident is under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, highlighting the hazards present in mining and quarry operations. Safety protocols are under scrutiny as the mining community mourns the loss of Gershman, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures in these perilous environments.
Derry Township, Westmoreland County –
A tragic workplace incident has resulted in the death of a 61-year-old miner after a large rock fell and trapped him underground in Derry Township, located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The victim has been identified as James F. Gershman, a resident of White Township in Indiana County.
The incident transpired on Tuesday afternoon when a 500-pound rock fell from the mine ceiling at Derry Construction, situated on the 320 block of Quarry Road. Emergency services were alerted to the scene shortly after the accident had occurred.
Upon receiving reports of a man being trapped, fire services arrived at approximately 3:45 p.m. Emergency personnel, including the Derry Township Fire Chief, promptly assessed the area and began efforts to assist Gershman. Despite their swift response, Gershman was pronounced dead at around 5:45 p.m., just over two hours following the accident.
The official cause and manner of death will be determined after autopsy and toxicology results are completed, as noted by Westmoreland County Coroner Timothy Carson. Gershman was working as a quarry employee at the time of the incident. The Pennsylvania State Police are currently conducting an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
Emergency Response
A medical helicopter was initially requested to transport the worker for medical attention; however, it was later canceled after emergency personnel evaluated the situation on-site. Multiple first responders were involved in the incident response, focusing on assessing the site and providing assistance to Gershman.
Company Statement
Heidelberg Materials, the operator of the quarry where the incident occurred, has yet to release a statement regarding the accident or the fate of the employee. The quarry is located on the western slope of Chestnut Ridge and is visible from the nearby Torrance State Hospital.
Background Information
Mines and quarries present hazardous working conditions, and safety regulations are established to protect workers from risks associated with heavy equipment and falling materials. Gershman’s death adds to the list of tragic incidents and highlights the importance of safety protocols within such work environments.
The mining community in Pennsylvania is closely watching the investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, which will shed light on possible causes and measures that could prevent such incidents in the future. The focus now remains on honoring the memory of James F. Gershman, a dedicated worker who tragically lost his life while on the job.
As this story develops, further updates may be released regarding the investigation and any safety recommendations that may arise from this unfortunate incident.
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Additional Resources
- WTAE News
- Wikipedia: Mining Accident
- Indiana Gazette
- Google Search: Quarry Safety Protocols
- Tribune-Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mining
- WPXI News
- Google News: Workplace Safety
- WPXI Vote Now
- Google Scholar: Mine Safety Regulations
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF 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.
