Yakima, WA
(
Oct 29, 2024
) -
YAKIMA, Wash. – An unfortunate accident involving a forklift led to the death of a 62-year-old man named John Scerbik on Tuesday, November 5. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. at the Smurfit WestRock facility. Scerbik was on duty transporting materials when the forklift he was operating went off an embankment, resulting in the vehicle rolling over and crushing him underneath it.
Yakima County Chief Deputy Coroner Marshall Slight reported that Scerbik was found at the scene with severe chest injuries, which were determined to be fatal. An autopsy conducted on November 6 confirmed that his death was accidental. Sadly, Scerbik was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, which may have contributed to the severity of his injuries.
The Yakima Police Department was initially involved in the investigation before transferring it to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for further inquiry into the safety regulations at the job site. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety, particularly in handling large machinery like forklifts.
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