Machine operator dies after being pinned by excavator in drain

Joseph Hollingsworth, a 49-year-old machine operator

Joseph Hollingsworth, a 49-year-old machine operator, met his demise on Saturday after an excavator fell off a truck and pinned him in a drain at Coghlan Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Hollingsworth, of Lot 1177 Section B Pattenson, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was hired by businessman Travis Pierpont to transport the excavator using a truck.

While attempting to offload the equipment after realising the truck could not handle its weight, the excavator slipped and pinned him in the drain.

Public-spirited citizens managed to pull Hollingsworth out, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. A police investigation is underway.