A waste disposal truck driver was killed in an accident Wednesday afternoon at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company construction site, a company spokesperson said.
Authorities earlier had reported a man was taken to a hospital after an explosion was reported at 2:30 p.m. at the campus in north Phoenix. Phoenix police reported later Wednesday evening that the truck driver, identified as 41-year-old Cesar Anguiano-Guitron, had died, according to a news release.
“No TSMC employees or onsite construction workers have reported any related injuries. There was no damage to our facilities,” according to a statement issued by TSMC Arizona.
“We are working closely with local authorities. This is an active investigation, and no additional details can be shared at this time.”
TSMC released an additional statement on Thursday to extend condolences to the “family and loved ones of the man who passed away in yesterday’s tragic accident which occurred on our site.”
“We care about the safety of our employees, our construction trade workforce and vendors. We are grateful for the immediate emergency response and the first responders for their efforts,” the statement said.
Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a reported hazardous materials call on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
Units from the Phoenix, Glendale and Daisy Mountain fire departments were dispatched to TSMC, near Dove Valley Road and 43rd Avenue, about 2:30 p.m., according to Phoenix fire officials.
The call was made as a result of an explosion at the plant, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
Phoenix Fire Department was first on scene and worked to decontaminate the area and provide aid to the driver of the tractor-trailer.
According to TSMC, the Phoenix Fire Department cleared the site as hazard free Wednesday soon after the accident. There were no interruptions to operations and construction.
“As was corrected by the Phoenix Police Department in their media advisory last evening, this individual was inspecting the equipment on a disposal truck when an unintended pressure release occurred.
“We will continue to stay in communication with the authorities as they complete their investigation as to the cause of this incident, also in cooperation with the employer of the individual,” the TSMC statement said.
How did the explosion happen?
Police said the investigation showed Anguiano-Guitron was transporting waste material away from the construction site in his tractor-trailer. He was made aware of a possible issue involving the tank containing the material, which was stored under pressure.
While inspecting the equipment, “an uncontrolled pressure release,” or explosion, occurred which resulted in Anguiano-Guitron being struck by a blunt object and thrown over 20 feet from the trailer, the news release stated. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
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