UPDATE: A tragic accident at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas has left the family of 24-year-old Angel Rojas mourning after he was fatally injured by a concrete burial vault weighing up to 2,500 pounds. The incident occurred earlier today, prompting calls for justice amid allegations of gross negligence.
According to reports from KHOU, Rojas was operating machinery alone when the heavy vault fell, trapping him. Despite the rapid response from firefighters who used hydraulic tools to free him, Rojas succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
His widow, Nataly Galaviz, shared the heart-wrenching details of their final conversation. While trapped, Rojas revealed his fear, saying he “just wanted to be held” and wished to go home. Galaviz expressed disbelief over the circumstances, stating, “My husband was a smart worker. He knew the risk of a small error… he never should have been there alone.”
The family is now pursuing legal action. Their attorney has indicated that this incident points to gross negligence, emphasizing that Rojas should not have been operating machinery without supervision. “There is no way on earth this man should have been operating that machinery alone,” the attorney stated, highlighting the urgent need for accountability.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has initiated an investigation into Rojas’s death, underscoring the critical focus on workplace safety. The case has raised significant concerns about the protocols in place at Restland Funeral Home, which has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Rojas is survived by his wife and their young son, who is turning four years old next month. This tragic incident has ignited discussions about workplace safety standards, with advocates calling for reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the family hopes to bring awareness to the dangers present in their industry. “If there’s one thing we can do for his memory and for this family, it’s to try to keep this from happening to anybody else,” the family’s attorney stated, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply with colleagues and safety advocates alike.
The story of Angel Rojas serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind workplace accidents, urging us all to reflect on safety measures that protect lives. Follow this developing story for further updates.
