Worker in Linden dies after backhoe falls into water
LINDEN A construction worker died Thursday morning after his backhoe fell into the icy water of the Arthur Kill, according to OSHA.
Rescuers believed there was a chance to rescue the worker because he was in an air bubble for over an hour, fire Chief William Hasko told CBS New York.
The backhoe fell through the ground just after 8 a.m. and wound up on its side in 6 feet of 40 degree water off Trembley Point Road, OSHA spokeswoman Lenny Uddyback told New Jersey 101.5.
The unconscious man was taken to Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where he died. The cause of the incident was under investigation by OSHA.
It took rescuers and divers an hour to reach the victim. Ultimately, the victim was taken out of the crane by NYPD Aviation dive team, along with the Linden Fire Department, rescuers and a Zodiac boat that we had deployed into the water, Fire Chief William Hasko said.
He was rushed unresponsive the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The individual was ultimately removed from the cab and transported to Trinitas Hospital, Linden police Lt. Chris Guenther said. OSHA will be the lead investigative agency on this.
The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear if wind was a factor or if the vehicle was just too close to the water.