A construction worker on the scene after a co-worker died Tuesday in Chilliwack is shaken and possibly traumatized by what he saw.
A young man apparently fell from the 40-foot tilt-up construction project at the Bailey Landfill leading to the closure of the facility for the day.
An unnamed co-worker who was at the scene said the 21-year-old fell the considerable distance and when he and others got to him, the young man had no pulse.
"He didn't make it," he said in a Facebook post. "I have never in my life felt so helpless and scared. It's going to be a rough night for me. Please help and say a prayer for his wife and family."
Chilliwack RCMP officers were on scene and visitors were turned away from the Bailey Landfill Tuesday afternoon after the incident leading to questions and speculation on social media.
WorkSafeBC spokesperson Trish Chernecki said Wednesday that RCMP contacted WorkSafeBC at 1:04 p.m. regarding the incident.
"The RCMP is currently in charge of the site," Chernecki said via email. "WorkSafeBC is investigating."
There are few details about what happened but the City of Chilliwack reported late Tuesday that a Titan Construction employee died at the site.
The company was working on an approximately 40-foot high tilt-up structure to be used as a transfer station.
The city first reported via Twitter and Facebook just after 3 p.m. that due to "an unforeseen circumstance" the dump would be closed for the rest of Tuesday.
Due to an unforeseen circumstance, the Bailey Landfill will be closed for the remainder of the afternoon. We apologize for the inconvenience
— City of Chilliwack (@City_Chilliwack) February 21, 2017
Asked by a resident what the circumstances were, a message was issued from the city's Facebook account.
"We are sad to report there has been an accident resulting in the death of an employee of Titan Construction at the Bailey Landfill," it read. "Our thoughts are with family and friends during this very difficult time."
Visit theprogress.com for updates on this story.
paul.henderson@theprogress.com
@PeeJayAitch