Man Hit With Backhoe, Killed During Demolition Of Scotch Plains Home

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A construction worker was killed on Monday after he was fatally and accidentally hit with the bucket of a backhoe during the demolition of a Scotch Plains house, said Scotch Plains Deputy Chief Al Sellinger.

On Aug. 12 at 3:30 p.m., the Scotch Plains Police were called to a home on the 2000 block of Mountain Avenue on a report of a male worker who had sustained a head injury.

The Scotch Plains Police, Scotch Plains Fire Department, and Medical personnel found a severely injured victim with head trauma.

All first responders at the scene immediately rendered medical aid. The NJ State Police Medivac was requested as well and landed at Scotch Plains Fanwood High School awaiting further instructions.

The victim was taken to Overlook Hospital in Summit by Union County Ambulance where he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The victim’s identity is being withheld at this time pending notifications to the victim's next of kin.

The incident is still under investigation but appears to be accidental.

In addition to the ongoing investigation by the Scotch Plains Police, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) was notified and responded to the scene as well to conduct their own investigation.

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