DENHAM SPRINGS — A Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) employee is recovering after an 18-wheeler crashed into the elevated bucket he was working in while repairing an overhead traffic light, nearly throwing him from the platform.
The incident happened just after 1 p.m. on June 25 in Denham Springs. A big rig coming off I-12 westbound was making a left turn onto Range Avenue when it slammed into the bucket lift holding the DOTD worker. The impact shattered the bucket, sending debris flying and leaving the employee dangling from the remains of the platform. Fortunately, he was secured with a safety harness, which likely saved his life.
Video circulating on social media shows the DOTD employee directing traffic from the raised bucket. Just seconds before the collision, he moves toward the far edge of the platform, appearing to brace for impact.
Co-workers rushed to his aid and tried to help him down, but he remained strapped in. A Denham Springs Police officer, who was stationed at the opposite end of the intersection, responded immediately and took over directing traffic.
According to Denham Springs Police, the DOTD employee sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
The driver of the 18-wheeler stopped immediately after the crash and remained at the scene. Police did not respond to questions about whether the driver received a citation.
UWK has learned that there are standard safety procedures that are sometimes required of crews working on overhead traffic signals, including the possible use of traffic cones, signage and lane closures. In the videos reviewed by UWK, there are cones that appear to be visible except that they’re on the shoulder near the truck parked in a median, not in the actual lane the employee’s bucket was raised in. It’s unclear if any signage was used at the scene. The lane was not closed to traffic.
UWK reached out to DOTD to ask whether proper procedures were followed in this case and whether any employees may face disciplinary action.
DOTD’s response:
DOTD would like to remind people that maintenance work can happen on roadways at any time during day or night and that drivers should always pay attention, be safe and obey traffic laws.
It is a personnel and personal issue so we can’t discuss in depth. However, as with all incidents, it will be reviewed by our safety section.
Cones, signs and lane closures are sometimes required and sometimes they are not. Depends on the jobs, tasks, location of equipment among other situations. That’s why I can’t tell you about yesterday’s event. That particular event is under investigation.
Thankfully, the DOTD employee was able to walk away from the scene without serious injuries.
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