News Summary
A construction site near Lytle, Texas, has been the scene of a tragic accident that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Maurice McGowan. Struck by an articulating truck during work hours, McGowan was pronounced dead at the scene, leading to the suspension of construction activities for the 300 MW data center project. Turner Construction is cooperating with local authorities and OSHA in the investigation, while safety protocols are being scrutinized to prevent future incidents. The project, which started in August, represents a significant investment for Rowan Digital Infrastructure.
San Antonio, Texas
A fatal incident at a construction site near Lytle, Texas, has resulted in the death of a subcontractor, Maurice McGowan, who was only 28 years old. The accident occurred on October 13 while McGowan was working at a site for the construction of a 300-megawatt (MW) data center, developed by Rowan Digital Infrastructure as part of the Cinco data center campus.
Reports indicate that McGowan was struck by an articulating truck during regular work hours. Emergency responders arrived promptly but pronounced him dead at the scene. In the wake of this tragic event, all construction activities have been suspended, and an investigation is underway.
The construction project for the data center commenced on August 7 and involves a significant investment of at least $900 million. There is currently no announced completion date for the facility. Turner Construction, the general contractor for the project, is cooperating fully with the investigation being conducted by local authorities and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Turner Construction also stated that their staff and on-site medics responded immediately to the accident and are committed to understanding how the incident transpired to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The name of the subcontracting firm employing McGowan has not yet been confirmed.
Safety Measures Under Review
As safety remains a top priority in construction sites, Rowan’s chief data center officer emphasized that support is being offered to those affected by this tragedy. The incident has raised questions about safety protocols and procedures on large construction projects, particularly amidst the ongoing demand for data center infrastructure.
Data centers play a crucial role in handling and storing online data, driving an increasing need for advanced facilities like the one being constructed near San Antonio. This particular project stands out due to its projected capacity of 300 MW, which is substantial in meeting current technological demands.
The fatal incident highlights a critical issue within the construction industry, where accidents have the potential to lead to serious injuries or fatalities. In light of this tragedy, it is anticipated that the investigation will delve into safety protocols and whether appropriate measures were in place to protect workers on-site.
In recent years, the data center industry has seen rapid growth, resulting in increased activity within construction sites across the country. While these developments are essential for expanding technological capabilities, ensuring the safety of all workers on such sites should remain a paramount concern. The construction community is now closely watching the outcomes of the ongoing investigation and potential implications for safety regulations in the sector.
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Additional Resources
- Engineering News-Record: Worker is Identified in Fatal Turner Construction Data Center Incident
- Wikipedia: Occupational Safety and Health
- Engineering News-Record: Turner Construction Co. Involved in Fatal Data Center Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
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