Falling Branch Kills Tree Trimmer
A day laborer hired to trim trees at a house on Wells Drive died Tuesday when he was struck on the head by a falling branch, authorities said.
The 28-year-old worker, who was unlicensed, suffered massive head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, Los Angeles Fire Capt. Bill Cody said. The man’s identity was being withheld until relatives could be notified, authorities said.
The accident occurred about 9:45 a.m. as the tree trimmer and two other workers were removing limbs in a sideyard at the single-family residence in the 19200 block of Wells Drive, Cody said.
The tree trimmer was working several feet above the ground and secured to the tree with straps and cleats when he was struck by the limb, Cody said.
As is customary in industrial accidents, Cody said the incident will be reviewed by investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department, city attorney’s office and the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
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