New Deal Volunteer Fire Department and Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to an industrial accident at C & D waste Wednesday when Jeremy Pekarski’s head was trapped in an excavator.
“When we got to him, he was still talking and he didn’t know how it happened. So, for him to be in the position he’s in, really without telling us how he got there, we’re just in the dark on it,” C & D Waster Manager Casey Johnson said.
Johnson has been in the business his entire life, and at C & D for 15 years. He said this was the worst incident they’ve had.
“This isn’t only a construction site, it’s a landfill. We’re a type 4 landfill. So it’s one of the most dangerous businesses in the country…we’ve been very lucky.”
LFR said these type of calls are rare, but not totally uncommon. Johnson said keeping his workers safe is very important.
“We hold safety meetings every month, we have tailgate safety meetings, and as we’re training new guys, we work with them and then they have to work with somebody before they’re out on their own. He was in the training position of it.”
He said Pekarski could use prayers.
“We just ask that everybody prays for him, he’s a young man, and he’s going to have a tough time getting back up on his feet.”