Troopers Id Man Killed When Loader Falls Into Delaware River In Claymont

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Claymont – Delaware State Police have identified Billy J. Burns, 62, of Claymont, as the operator of a front end loader, who was killed in an incident that occurred at Ocean Port LLC, located at 6200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

Claymont- Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation at Ocean Port LLC, located at 6200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, that occurred at approximately 9:59 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2018, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.

Austin said the preliminary investigation has determined that a 62-year-old male employee was operating a front end loader on an elevated pier, and for an undetermined reason, traveled off the pier into the water below. The victim was recovered and subsequently pronounced dead on scene by EMS, said Austin.

The body has been turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.

The investigation is in the very early stages. Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Breaking Report

Claymont – New Castle County first responders have recovered the body of a forklift operator from the Delaware River.

At 9:59 this morning rescue crews from the New Castle County Dive Team, three area marine units and Trooper 4 responded to a pier, located in the 6200 block of Philadelphia Pike for reports of a person in the water.

Early reports from the scene indicated that for an unknown reason, the forklift fell off the side of the pier, into the water.  Shortly after the arrival of first responders, it was determined that the operator had succumbed to their injuries.

It was not immediately clear how the incident occurred.

Delaware State Police are investigating.

Developing