ARLINGTON, Texas — A maintenance worker is fighting for his life at John Peter Smith Hospital after becoming pinned beneath a large hopper-style tractor trailer on Saturday morning. The incident, which occurred at a light industrial facility in the 12800 block of Colloway Cemetery Road, triggered a massive emergency response from the Arlington Fire Department (AFD).
The call for help was received at approximately 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7. Upon arrival, AFD crews found a scene where courageous bystanders were already attempting to use equipment to lift the heavy trailer off the trapped man.
- Technical Rescue: The AFD Technical Rescue Team—a unit specifically trained for complex extrications—was dispatched immediately.
- Swift Extraction: Utilizing specialized tools, firefighters were able to complete the extraction and free the victim within just three minutes of arriving on the scene.
- Immediate Care: Due to the severity of his injuries, the unidentified victim was rushed to the Level I Trauma Center at JPS Hospital in Fort Worth, where he remains in critical condition.
Industrial Safety Context: Hopper Trailer Maintenance
The victim was reportedly performing “routine maintenance” at the time of the collapse. While investigations into the exact cause are ongoing, safety experts emphasize the unique risks associated with hopper-style trailers. These trailers, often used for transporting grain or dry bulk materials, require specific bracing and “cribbing” during maintenance to prevent accidental shifting or jack failure…