News Summary

A 61-year-old man, James F. Gershman, died after being trapped by a 500-pound rock in a Derry Township mineshaft. Emergency crews responded quickly, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead hours later. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident, highlighting the need for improved safety standards in the mining industry. The quarry operator has not yet released a statement regarding the tragedy, which has drawn attention to worker safety in hazardous environments like quarries.

Derry Township

A 61-year-old man has died after being trapped underground by a large rock while working in a mineshaft in Derry Township, Westmoreland County. The accident, which involved a 500-pound rock, took place on Tuesday afternoon and resulted in the death of the victim, identified as James F. Gershman, a resident of White Township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.

The incident unfolded at Derry Construction, located on the 320 block of Quarry Road. Emergency personnel were promptly dispatched to the scene after reports indicated that a man was trapped under a rock. Fire services arrived at approximately 3:45 p.m. to assess the situation and provide assistance.

Despite the efforts of first responders, Gershman was pronounced dead at about 5:45 p.m., roughly two hours after the rock fell on him. Timothy Carson, the Westmoreland County Coroner, confirmed that Gershman was an employee at the quarry, working in the mine at the time of the tragic accident. The cause and manner of his death will be officially determined following autopsy and toxicology results.

Currently, the Pennsylvania State Police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine what led to this unfortunate event. Initially, a medical helicopter was ordered to the site; however, it was later canceled after medical personnel assessed the situation.

Heidelberg Materials, the operator of the quarry in question, has yet to release a statement regarding the incident. The quarry is positioned on the western slope of Chestnut Ridge and is visible from the Torrance State Hospital.

Accidents such as this demonstrate the inherent dangers associated with mining operations. Gershman’s fatality emphasizes the importance of occupational safety standards in the mining industry. Details surrounding the specific factors that led to the rock’s fall remain under investigation, as officials work to ensure such incidents are minimized in the future.

This tragic occurrence has not only impacted the immediate local community but has also drawn attention to the broader issues pertaining to worker safety in hazardous environments like quarries. Continued scrutiny and analysis of safety protocols are expected as authorities aim to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

As the investigation unfolds, more information on the circumstances and safety measures being evaluated at Derry Construction is anticipated. Family, friends, and co-workers are mourning the loss of Gershman, highlighting the human element behind workplace safety concerns.

The warehouse and mining operations in Westmoreland County have faced scrutiny in the past regarding workplace hazards, and this incident may prompt renewed discussions on safety practices within the industry.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue, and autopsy results will shed more light on the cause of death and the circumstances leading up to this tragic event.

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Additional Resources

• WTAE News
• Wikipedia: Mining Accident
• Indiana Gazette
• Google Search: Quarry Safety Protocols
• Tribune-Review
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mining
• WPXI News
• Google News: Workplace Safety
• WPXI Vote Now
• Google Scholar: Mine Safety Regulations

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