Worker Killed When Buried Under Debris At County Trash Center: PD

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A worker is dead after becoming buried under a pile of debris at Shady Grove Transfer Center in Derwood on Thursday, police said.

Authorities have identified the worker as 35-year-old Gladis Loren Melendrez Fuentes, of Rockville.

The incident happened around 1:45 p.m. at 16101 Frederick Rd. When Montgomery County police and fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene, she was dead, authorities said.

Detectives from the county's Major Crimes Division are conducting a death investigation. According to police spokesman Officer Rick Goodale, her death "does not appear to be anything criminal-related."

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who released a statement about her passing, said Fuentes was a contractor working at the transfer station.

"This is a very difficult day," Elrich said. "We made grief counselors available for station staff and others. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is a part of a big family of County workers, and we are all affected by this tragic loss."

County Council President Nancy Navarro also offered her condolences in a statement.

"My heart breaks for her family and friends during this difficult time of mourning," Navarro said.

She added that officials are working to learn what caused Thursday's tragic accident.

"The Council will work with County Executive Elrich to determine what caused this horrible incident," Navarro said. "I appreciate the work of the firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police officers and other emergency personnel who responded to this tragic call and the grief counselors who are providing services to the workers at the Shady Grove Transfer Station."