Parker – Two contractors laying electrical cable along a ditch in a housing development were crushed to death by a backhoe Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The incident happened about 9:20 a.m. at Pardee Street and Triple Crown Road in a neighborhood called HorseShoe Ridge southeast of Parker.
The men were in a ditch about 2 to 3 feet deep when the backhoe slid into them, police said.
One victim died at the scene, and the other was pronounced dead at Littleton Hospital.
An operator was at the controls of the backhoe, but investigators had not determined whether the operator made a mistake or the equipment failed, said Parker police spokeswoman Sara Walla.
The victims’ names were being withheld until their families were notified.
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators at the site classified the double fatality as an accident.
“We don’t believe there are going to be any charges,” said police Lt. Sam Realmuta.
Investigators talked to more than 10 witnesses and said their stories about the accident are consistent, Realmuta said.
The men worked for contractor ALC LLC. The owners could not be reached for comment.
The housing is being developed by Advocate Homes.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
