Worker’s Leg Severed in Machinery Accident
A 36-year-old construction worker’s right leg was severed Thursday when he became entangled in machinery at a work site on Alhambra Road, authorities said.
The man was working in a tunnel about 30 feet below ground when a drilling machine cut off his right leg above the knee, Alhambra Fire Department Battalion Chief John Kabala said.
“Workers at the site saw a Los Angeles City fire crew at a nearby supermarket and immediately got their assistance,” Kabala said. “It was a very quick response.”
Los Angeles firefighters hoisted the conscious construction worker from the hole and packed his severed limb in an ice chest, authorities said.
He was airlifted to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where officials say he is in critical condition after undergoing surgery to clean the wound. Hospital officials say they do not expect to be able to reattach the limb.
California occupational safety officials launched an investigation into the incident, authorities said. The injured man’s name was being withheld until his family could be contacted.
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