Pennsylvania man killed in industrial accident

VERNAL — A 23-year-old man was killed Monday afternoon in an industrial accident at an oil field location 45 miles southeast of Vernal.

David Anthony Vickers, Jr., of Export, Pa., was resting in the shade between the tires of a large forklift when a co-worker climbed onto the forklift without seeing him to unload a truck, according to the Uintah County Sheriff's Department. The co-worker drove forward, running over and crushing Vickers' chest.

The rig crew and responding emergency medical personnel attempted to resuscitate Vickers, but he died at the scene.

The sheriff's department is assisting OSHA in their ongoing investigation. Although Vickers' death appears to be an accident, authorities are awaiting toxicology results on the victim and the driver of the forklift.

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