Man killed in cave-in on Pikeville project
By Turner Walston
Published in News on June 8, 2005 1:49 PM
PIKEVILLE — A construction worker was killed Tuesday afternoon in Pikeville when a trench in which he was working collapsed on him.
Reginald Hough, 53, of Mount Pleasant, died when the sides of the trench along Tina Avenue gave way. A second worker, James Mintz, 39, was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital and later transferred by helicopter to Pitt Memorial Hospital. Mintz was listed in serious condition today, a hospital spokesman said.
The two men were employed by Eudy Pipe Service of Concord. Eudy is a sub-contractor of L-J Inc. of Columbia, S.C., which is the general contractor for a project the town has undertaken to improve its sewer system.
Officials with the two companies would not comment on the accident, which happened about 2 p.m.
Hough’s body was removed from the trench by volunteers from the Pikeville-Pleasant Grove, Belfast, Patetown, Nahunta and Fremont fire departments.
Hough and Mintz were installing sliplines to go inside sewer pipes as part of the town’s rehabilitation project to correct infiltration in its sewer lines. The town is working toward completion of a new sewage plant to break down waste and meet state requirements.
Pikeville Mayor Herb Seiger issued a statement today regarding the accident.
“We are deeply sorry by the tragic accident of yesterday. We of the town of Pikeville, as we request of all of you, are in prayer for the injured person and the families and loved ones of both parties and their co-workers and the company itself. Our special thanks and gratitude are expressed to all of those who so valiantly assisted our town personnel in the rescue and recovery efforts.”
The Occupational Safety and Health division of the N.C. Dept. of Labor is investigating the accident.
Funeral arrangements for Hough were incomplete, said a spokesman for Gordon Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is located in Cabarrus County.