DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — Harrowing moments were caught on dashcam video in Louisiana.
A utility worker was working on a traffic light, not knowing that a semi was headed right for him.
Fred Raiford, who oversees transportation and drainage in Baton Rouge, remarked, “I’m not sure how that truck managed to make the turn without colliding with a pole on one side or the truck itself.”
The truck was making a wide turn onto Range Avenue at I-12 in Denham Springs when the top of it bumped the bucket, flipping the man upside down.
Luckily, the worker had his harness on.
“That is a mandate we have. When you’re in that bucket truck, you’ll have that harness on,” Raiford said.
Bill Atkinson, who shared the video with WBRZ, commented, “The biggest surprise was the absence of signs or blocked lanes, while the other workers stayed in the truck enjoying the air conditioning.”
Raiford said in EBR Parish, they do what they can to make sure drivers notice the workers.
Raiford stated, “Whenever there are workers on the roadways, it’s mandated to have signage or barricades indicating lane closures.”
DOTD told WBRZ that “cones, signs and lane closures are sometimes required and sometimes they are not.”
They declined a request for an interview while they are investigating.
The worker reportedly had minor injuries and did not go to the hospital.
