Operator dies after excavator sank

A 19-year-old excavator operator lost his life after the machine he was operating allegedly sank, trapping him in the cabin on Tuesday.

The dead man has been identified as Ezekiel Benjamin.

The incident occurred at around 11:50hrs Tuesday at Kara Kara in Mackenzie, Linden.

Benjamin was employed by Dindyal Sookram of D. Sookram & Daughters General Contractor. He operated an excavator on the northeast Kara Kara land to dig a drain, allowing lodged water to run out to the creek.

According to a Police report, while Benjamin was operating the excavator it began to sink in the swampy land. Eventually, the machine submerged, trapping Benjamin inside the cabin.

Police said employees from BOSAI discovered the submerged excavator and raised an alarm.

They assisted in breaking the excavator glass and retrieving Benjamin’s body.

The body was examined and there were no visible marks of violence.

Benjamin was transported to the Mackenzie Hospital Complex, where Benjamin was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted soon.