Worker crushed to death by huge roll of newsprint paper at PA printing plant

Federal officials are investigating after a huge roll of paper destined for a printing plant rolled off the boxcar delivering it, crushing a rail worker.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Railroad Administration are investigating the death of 43-year-old Jefferson Troester, of Claymont, DE, who died Friday morning after a 1500 lb. roll of paper rolled out of a boxcar and crushed him, according to a release by the Upper Merion Township Police.

The incident occurred at 800 River Road in Upper Marion Township, PA, about 16 miles outside Philadelphia, at the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News Schuylkill Printing Plant. When Troester opened the boxcar to offload the newsprint paper, the roll of paper rolled out of the car and pinned him in the space between the boxcar and the loading dock. Troester was still pinned by the paper roll when police, Lafayette Ambulance and Swedeland Fire Company responded to the scene. King of Prussia Fire Company and Fairmount Fire Company also assisted police.

Police received the call just before 9:30 am and NBC Philadelphia article reports that contractors were brought in to lift the 1500 lb roll off the victim around noon.

The preliminary investigation indicates that two rolls of paper shifted during transport.

Philly.com reports that Brandywine Valley Railroad Co. employed Troester. However, police said he was employed by Arcella Mittal Steel Inc.