Derry Township, September 3, 2025
News Summary
A 61-year-old quarry worker died after being trapped underground by a 500-pound rock in Derry Township. Despite swift emergency response, James F. Gershman was pronounced dead hours after the incident occurred. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating, while the local coroner is set to determine the cause of death. This incident highlights the dangers associated with mining work.
Derry Township
A 61-year-old man has tragically died after being trapped underground by a large rock while working in a mineshaft in Derry Township, Westmoreland County. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, with local reports indicating that a 500-pound rock fell onto the legs of the victim, identified as James F. Gershman from White Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident. Derry Township Fire Chief Mark Piantine confirmed that fire services arrived at the site, located on the 320 block of Quarry Road, at approximately 3:45 p.m. Despite the quick response, Gershman was pronounced dead at approximately 5:45 p.m., just over two hours after the incident occurred.
The Westmoreland County Coroner, Timothy Carson, reported that Gershman was employed at Derry Construction and was working in the mine at the time of the accident. The cause and manner of his death will be determined following autopsy and toxicology results, as stated by the coroner’s office.
In the initial stages of the emergency response, a medical helicopter was ordered to the scene, but its deployment was canceled after an assessment of the situation. The Pennsylvania State Police are currently conducting an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.
Heidelberg Materials, the operator of the quarry where the accident occurred, has not provided any comment or statement regarding the incident as of the latest reports. The quarry is situated on the western slope of Chestnut Ridge and is observable from the nearby Torrance State Hospital.
Incident Details
- Date of incident: Tuesday afternoon
- Victim: James F. Gershman, 61, from White Township, Indiana County
- Location: Derry Construction on the 320 block of Quarry Road
- Weight of rock: 500 pounds
- Response time: Emergency personnel arrived on-site around 3:45 p.m.
- Time of death: Pronounced dead around 5:45 p.m.
Background Context
Mining can be a dangerous profession, with rock falls posing a significant threat to those working in underground conditions. Incidents like this remind the community about the potential hazards associated with quarry work. The situation remains under scrutiny as state authorities seek to understand how such accidents can be avoided in the future. Further investigations into safety protocols at the mine are expected as officials review the circumstances surrounding this incident.
FAQ Section
What happened in Derry Township?
James F. Gershman, a 61-year-old quarry employee, died after being trapped by a 500-pound rock that fell on him while he was working underground.
When did the incident occur?
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon, with emergency responders arriving at the scene around 3:45 p.m.
What is being done in response to the incident?
The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the Westmoreland County Coroner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
What is known about the quarry?
The quarry operated by Heidelberg Materials is located on the western slope of Chestnut Ridge and is visible from Torrance State Hospital. The management has yet to comment on the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | James F. Gershman, 61 |
| Location | Derry Construction, Quarry Road |
| Accident cause | Falling rock |
| Rock weight | 500 pounds |
| Emergency response time | Arrived around 3:45 p.m. |
| Time of death | Around 5:45 p.m. |
| Investigating authority | Pennsylvania State Police |
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Additional Resources
- WTAE News
- Wikipedia: Mining Accident
- Indiana Gazette
- Google Search: Quarry Safety Protocols
- Tribune-Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mining
- WPXI News
- Google News: Workplace Safety
- WPXI Vote Now
- Google Scholar: Mine Safety Regulations
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