Lack Of Safety Precautions Cited In Death Of New Canaan DPW Employee

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – A four-month police investigation into the death of a New Canaan Department of Public Works employee found that failure to follow safety protocols led to the fatal accident, reports the New Canaan Advertiser.

A four-month police investigation into the death of Benjamin Olmstead, 71, cited lack of safety precautions.
Photo Credit: *File*

Nicole Briggs

11/20/2014 10:30 p.m.

Benjamin Olmstead, 71, was struck and killed while working along a town road in July.

In a press briefing Thursday, Nov. 20 attended by First Selectman Rob Mallozzi III, police Chief Leon Krolikowski called it “a tragic accident” and said Olmstead’s immense experience might have given him a false sense of security as he worked that day, according to the report.

The chief said Olmstead was wearing a reflective vest while marking a sewer connection at Route 123 and East Avenue, the Advertiser said. But his work van was parked far away from him, and cones should have been used along the road, the report said.

The report also stated several motorists told police they saw Olmstead and felt he was in a dangerous position, the Advertiser said.

Olmstead was struck by a vehicle driven by Francesco Sorge, 60, of Norwalk, on July 23. He died at Norwalk Hospital on July 24 from blunt trauma injuries to his head.

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