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Twin Cities Construction Zones See Back-to-Back Fatalities
MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL, MN — Two construction workers tragically lost their lives in separate incidents within 48 hours this week in the Twin Cities metro area. Both fatalities occurred within closed highway work zones, prompting investigations by the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA).
Burnsville Incident: Pierre Mack Killed by Boom Truck
The first fatality occurred on Wednesday morning, September 24, on southbound Interstate 35W near Highway 13 in Burnsville. Pierre Raymon Mack, 29, of St. Paul, was working as a cement mason in a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) construction zone when he was struck by a construction vehicle equipped with a boom attachment. The vehicle was reportedly reversing at the time of the incident. No other vehicles were involved, and the accident took place entirely within the closed construction zone, away from public traffic.
Mack’s father, Bernard Harris, expressed his grief and frustration, stating, “I’m always texting him to be safe, be careful out there. I’m trying to figure out, did he get run over? How?” He emphasized that his son would have been cautious and alert to the backup signals.
Maple Grove Incident: Adam Smith Struck by Dump Truck
Less than 24 hours later, on Thursday afternoon, September 25, another fatal accident occurred in Maple Grove. At approximately 1:00 p.m., 25-year-old Adam Frederick Smith, from Seymour, Wisconsin, was fatally struck by a dump truck that was reversing in a closed construction zone on eastbound Highway 610 near Maple Grove Parkway. The driver, a 57-year-old man from Port Charlotte, Florida, was uninjured. Smith was on foot at the time of the incident.
Investigations and Safety Measures
The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating both incidents, and MNOSHA is also conducting inquiries. In response to these tragedies, MnDOT announced a mandatory “safety stand down” for all employees on Monday, September 29. This “deliberate pause” in work is intended to allow reflection and recommitment to safety in work zones. MnDOT emphasized that safety remains their top priority and is collaborating with contractors, the MSP, and MNOSHA to ensure thorough investigations.
Industry Response
The Associated General Contractors of Minnesota expressed deep concern over the recent fatalities and is advocating for enhanced safety measures and increased awareness to protect workers in construction zones. The union president highlighted the urgent need for improved safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
These back-to-back fatalities underscore the inherent risks faced by construction workers and the critical importance of stringent safety practices in work zones. As investigations continue, authorities and the community hope these incidents will prompt meaningful changes to safeguard those who maintain and improve Minnesota’s infrastructure.
