One Killed in Rock Crusher Accident at Quarry

One worker died in a rock-crusher accident at the Swampscott Quarry in Swampscott, MA, on Monday afternoon, reported local news WCVB.

The victim was Chris Perry, 37, who was working with another person inside the device when the malfunction occurred, according to a statement from Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker. The other worker was not injured. Perry owned C.G.P. Landscaping, which is based in Swampscott.

Perry and the other worker were cleaning the equipment and a nearby crane was assisting in the operation, Tucker said.

Swampscott Quarry is over 100 years old and is currently operated by Aggregate Industries.

Swampscott Police received a call around 1 p.m. reporting a problem with an enormous rock crusher suspended above the quarry, WCVB reported.

Swampscott Fire and Police, as well as Salem Police and first responders from Cataldo Ambulance Service, responded to the scene at approximately 1:30 p.m. Workers for Holcim Inc., formerly known as Aggregate Industries, spoke with Swampscott Police outside of the visitors center for the quarry, at which Holcim has conducted excavation operations for more than a century. 

OSHA also responded to the incident.

"The worker was pronounced deceased at the scene," the DA's statement read.

The death is currently being investigated by the Essex County District Attorney's Office State Police Detective Unit, Swampscott Police, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, according to the statement.