A fatal accident unfolded in Jackson, Mississippi, on Monday when 41-year-old contractor Darrell Sheriff became trapped under scorching hot asphalt while working on a dump truck. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade reported that officers arrived at the scene around 10:30 a.m. and found Sheriff buried beneath the material, which reached temperatures of up to 300 degrees. Despite the efforts of bystanders, Sheriff’s injuries were too severe for him to survive.
According to preliminary reports, Sheriff was conducting maintenance under the dump truck’s hydraulic system when the vehicle’s tailgate unexpectedly opened, releasing the load of hot asphalt on top of him. Officials are continuing to investigate the malfunction that caused the tailgate release, but police have ruled the incident accidental.
Asphalt delivered for roadwork typically reaches dangerously high temperatures and emits toxic fumes, factors that contributed to the severity of Sheriff’s injuries. Witnesses reportedly attempted to rescue him, but the extreme heat made it impossible to reach him in time. Chief Wade expressed that Sheriff “tried to fight to make it through those injuries,” but the burns he sustained were overwhelming.
The impact of the tragedy was evident in the words of Sheriff’s family, who described him as a dedicated worker and “a good, hardworking man, just trying to make a living.” The Jackson community has been called to support the grieving family in the wake of the tragic loss.
Chief Wade extended condolences to Sheriff’s loved ones, acknowledging the accident as “very horrific and very tragic” and urging the city to keep the family “uplifted in prayer.” Authorities have not yet determined if further safety measures will be considered for contractors handling such hazardous materials in the future.
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