Maple Grove, Minnesota, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Two construction workers lost their lives in separate incidents on Twin Cities highways within 48 hours, sparking concerns over safety in construction zones. The latest incident involved a 25-year-old worker who was struck by a dump truck in a closed area. Just a day before, a 29-year-old worker was killed in a similar accident on another highway. Authorities are urging increased caution in construction areas as investigations continue into both incidents.
Maple Grove, Minnesota – Two construction workers have tragically lost their lives in separate incidents on Twin Cities highways within 48 hours, highlighting concerns over safety in construction zones. The latest accident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday on eastbound Highway 610, near the interchange with Interstate 94 in Maple Grove.
The deceased worker has been identified as Adam Frederick Smith, a 25-year-old contract worker from Seymour, Wisconsin. Smith was struck by a reversing dump truck while on foot in a closed construction zone. Emergency responders arrived on the scene but pronounced Smith dead at the location. The truck was operated by Dianand Sukhram, a 57-year-old driver from Port Charlotte, Florida, who fortunately, did not sustain injuries. However, it has come to light that Sukhram has a history of driving violations, which includes inspection decal infractions and operating a vehicle without proof of insurance.
Following the incident involving Smith, the eastbound lanes of Highway 610 remained closed from the site of the crash to Maple Grove Parkway until around 6 p.m. for investigation and cleanup efforts.
Just one day prior, Wednesday morning, another construction worker, Pierre Raymon Mack, a 29-year-old from St. Paul, was also killed in a construction zone incident on southbound Interstate 35W near Highway 13. Mack was struck while on foot by a truck equipped with a boom attachment while working in a designated closed area, away from moving traffic. The driver of the truck involved in Mack’s accident, Kerry Don Ingram, a 50-year-old from North Branch, Minnesota, was not injured in this incident. In a further series of events related to the work zone, another truck driver clipped a stopped Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) vehicle following Mack’s fatal accident. This driver was later cited for hit-and-run along with other violations.
According to MnDOT, since 1960, there have been a total of 36 fatalities among MnDOT workers and 16 fatalities involving contractors while working on Minnesota highways. These tragic incidents serve as a somber reminder of the hazards present in roadway construction zones and the importance of safety protocols.
The companies involved in these accidents have a responsibility to foster safe working environments. New Look Contracting of Rogers, Minnesota was managing the construction work during the incident involving Smith.
As the investigations into these incidents continue, authorities are urging all drivers to exercise heightened caution and awareness when traveling through construction zones to minimize the risk of accidents.
Key Statistics of Worker Safety in Minnesota
- Fatalities of MnDOT workers since 1960: 36
- Fatalities of contractors since 1960: 16
Safety Measures Advocated by MnDOT
- Increased signage in construction zones
- Strict enforcement of traffic laws
- Awareness campaigns for drivers
Summary of Incidents
| Date | Worker Name | Age | Location | Driver Name | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Adam Frederick Smith | 25 | Highway 610 | Dianand Sukhram | Not Injured |
| Wednesday | Pierre Raymon Mack | 29 | I-35W | Kerry Don Ingram | Not Injured |
FAQ
What events led to the fatalities of the construction workers?
The fatalities occurred due to separate incidents where both construction workers were struck by vehicles while working in closed construction zones on highways in the Twin Cities area.
Are there safety measures in place for construction zones in Minnesota?
Yes, MnDOT promotes various safety measures such as increased signage, strict traffic law enforcement, and awareness campaigns to mitigate accidents in construction zones.
How many fatalities have occurred in Minnesota construction zones historically?
Since 1960, there have been 36 fatalities involving MnDOT workers and 16 fatalities related to contractors working on Minnesota highways.
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Additional Resources
- KSTP: Contractor Killed by Dump Truck
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone
- Star Tribune: Second Construction Worker Killed
- Google Search: Construction Worker Safety Statistics Minnesota
- CBS News: Maple Grove Construction Zone Crash
- Google Scholar: Construction Zone Safety
- Fox 9: Crash Causing Backups on Highway 610
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Willmar Radio: Two Men Killed in Construction Zone
- Google News: Construction Accidents Minnesota
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