Towman Killed in Accident at So. California Landfill

A tow truck driver was tragically killed in an industrial accident at the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center on Monday, authorities reported.

The incident occurred around noon at the facility, according to Ventura County Fire Department reports. Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office responded at approximately 12:15 p.m., stated Capt. Carl Patterson.

Capt. Patterson explained that a semitrailer hauling a load of gravel had tipped over, prompting the call for a tow truck to assist in righting the trailer. “While the tow truck driver was trying to right the trailer, he went to the side opposite where he was pulling from,” Patterson said. “Something gave way, and the trailer fell back on top of him, crushing him to death.”

No details about the driver, including his age and city of residence, were immediately available.

The landfill in Simi Valley is operated by WM, formerly known as Waste Management. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, also responded to the scene, Patterson mentioned.