Traffic flagger killed after being struck by utility truck

road work cones constructionA traffic flagger in Vermont died recently after he was struck by a utility truck while working in Middlebury.

According to Vermont Public Radio, 75-year-old Lawrence Kaminski was working for Green Mountain Flagging on Route 7 when he walked behind the truck. The Eustis Cable Enterprises truck began to back up and struck Kaminski.

The flagger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eustis Cable Enterprise president Susan Kay said the company had never had a accident such as this in its 20-year history.

“It’s terribly tragic,” Kay said. “You know, this is a man our employees work with. They know him, they work with him. It’s not just a random company that came out for a day. It’s like an extension of us in a sense. Our own employees are devastated by the loss.”

My Champlain Valley reported that Green Mountain Flagging said in a statement the incident is being investigated and reviewed. The company added that the priority is making sure employees are safe and giving support to Kaminski’s family and coworkers.

“Green Mountain Flagging, LLC is deeply shocked and saddened to learn that one of its employees was struck and killed by a vehicle this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends,” the company said in the press release.