CITY SANITATION WORKER KILLED IN ON-DUTY ACCIDENT
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed said that a city sanitation worker was killed late this morning after an accident occurred involving a sanitation packer.
Reed said Joseph L. Crosson, Jr., and his work partner, were collecting trash in the alley behind the 1600 block of Derry Street, when the accident occurred. As the sanitation packer was being maneuvered around a sharp turn heading down the alley, the packer allegedly pinned Crosson between the sanitation packer and a nearby telephone pole.
Crosson’s partner, the driver of the sanitation truck, immediately called emergency services and requested an ambulance. Several additional calls came in within minutes of the initial call for assistance. LifeTeam arrived within minutes and, despite their efforts, Crosson was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Reed said Crosson was a long-time employee of the city, having worked in the city’s public works department for 22 years. He said the driver of the sanitation packer has been a city employee for 17 years. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital for crisis intervention counseling and also for drug and alcohol testing, which is standard protocol in this type of incident.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Joseph L. Crosson, Jr.," said Reed. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be sorely missed."
Police are currently investigating the incident. At this time, no charges are pending. However, more information may become available as the investigation unfolds.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is urged to confidentially call Harrisburg Police at (717) 255-3131.
Reed also said that Dauphin County Crisis Intervention Team will be available to offer counseling services for city sanitation workers and other city employees from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the City’s Public Works Center.
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