Dump Truck Accident at Work

A man died from injuries in a workplace accident at Lee Disposal Services in Myrtle Beach today.

A dump truck was starting to dump its contents when a gate at the back of the truck swung open hitting the man, according Myrtle Beach Police Capt. David Knipes.

Horry County Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard identified the man as 39-year-old Raul Chavez. Chavez, who was originally from Mexico and lived in Galivants Ferry, was pronounced dead at 1:13 p.m. at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Willard said.

She said the cause of death is pending an autopsy, which is expected to be performed Thursday.

The truck involved in the accident was operated by U.S. Sanitation and was dropping off cardboard at the recycling center when the incident occurred, said Peggy Lee, the owner of Lee Disposal.

The rear door was not properly secured and swung around hitting the employee from behind, she said.

Lee who said she was "worried for my employee,” was bothered when she received news of Chavez's death.

"I'm just in shock," Lee said. "He was a good guy, a super guy. He was absolutely a great worker."

From The Sun News