Quincy City Employee Killed When Fixing Traffic Light

A city employee was killed when he was working on a traffic light in Quincy last week. An 18-wheeler truck reportedly hit the bucket truck that Robert DeCristofaro, 58, of Braintree, was working in. Authorities confirmed that it was the impact of the accident that caused him to fall out. He was quickly taken to the Boston Medical Center where he was shortly pronounced deceased.

The Quincy Police Department and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office both confirmed that the victim was a city employee, but was working in a rented truck. The accident occured at the intersection of Washington and Chubbuck Streets at approximately 10 A.M. on Tuesday morning. The driver of the tractor trailer stopped his vehicle at the scene of the impact and remained in place. Details of the accident are yet to be uncovered and there is confusion over sequence of events. Quincy Police Lt. Jack Sullivan said “Who hit whom where is being determined,” and commented that it was unclear whether the worker was accompanied by another city employee or with a local police detail. He confirmed that a thorough investigation was under way.

District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said “The chief of our motor vehicle homicide unit is on the scene, and we are working closely with the Quincy Police Department and investigators from the Massachusetts State Police…It is an active and ongoing investigation.” He also commented, “This is a terrible day for the city of Quincy and for his family.”

The accident is being thoroughly investigated by local police and state police. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also been called to investigate the scene of the accident to determine whether or not workplace safety standards were violated. OSHA inspections must be completed within 180 days, involve an onsite inspection, interviews of persons involved, review of records, and any necessary testing. No charges have been filed.

If you or your loved one has been injured in the workplace, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer.

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