The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation into the death of a carpenter killed at the Deep Tunnel Project Monday in suburban Summit.
The Summit Fire Department confirmed that a person was killed in the 7700 block of Canal Bank Road. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office identified the man as Robert Ellison, 55, of Spring Grove in McHenry County.
Cause of death was pending an investigation, but OSHA said the 55-year-old worker was killed by a rough terrain vehicle during snow plowing operations. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the tunnel project, officials said.
Bob Kula, vice president of corporate communication for construction company Kiewit, also confirmed the death in a statement.
"We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends, and those who knew and worked with him at Kiewit," he said.
Kula said the safety of Kiewit's employees is the company's top priority. Kiewit is conducting an investigation and working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state and local authorities, he said.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District started the Deep Tunnel project in 1972 as a way to cost-effectively comply with Federal and State water quality standards in the 375 square miles combined sewer area consisting of Chicago and 51 suburbs, according to the MWRD’s website.
