The Delaware State Police are conducting a death investigation as a result of an accident that occurred at approximately 4:09 p.m., Friday, January 11, 2019, at the former General Motors Plant, located at 801 Boxwood Road in Wilmington, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin
Austin said the initial investigation has determined that Atlantic Coast Dismantling (ACD), a Boston Massachusetts based company, was contracted out to perform demolition work at the plant. The demolition work being conducted involved the use of heavy machinery and cables to bring down steel beams said Austin. The head foreman for ACD, 64-year-old Paul Leary of Miami, Florida, was overseeing the work when a cable snapped, striking him in the upper torso and head area, according to Austin. Leary was pronounced dead at the scene by responding EMS.
Austin said representatives from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) also responded to the scene and will be working with Delaware State Police detectives with the ongoing investigation.
Harvey Hanna & Associates, the owner of the Boxwood Road plant site released the following statement this morning.
“We were deeply saddened to learn that a demolition construction worker at the Boxwood Road site tragically lost his life on Friday. We are heartbroken. We offer our sincere heartfelt condolences to the family, and all those affected.”
