npr.org
Texas Trench Collapse Indictment
A Texas construction manager and his company face charges after a trench collapse killed a worker in 2021.
English
United States
Us PoliticsLabour MarketLawsuitSafetyAccidentConstructionOsha
D Guerra Construction LlcOshaNprTravis County Prosecutor's Office
Carlos Alejandro GuerreroJuan José Galvan BatallaJosé P. GarzaCasey PerkinsScot Courtney
- What were the findings of the OSHA investigation?
- OSHA found that D Guerra Construction LLC sent workers back into an unsafe trench, resulting in the death of a worker. The company was cited for safety violations and faces criminal charges.
- What is the defense's argument regarding the incident?
- Guerrero's attorney called the incident an accident, claiming no intentional wrongdoing. The case will go to trial, and a jury will decide whether Guerrero is criminally responsible.
- Were there any subsequent OSHA citations against the company?
- In November 2023, OSHA cited D Guerra Construction LLC again for having an unprotected trench, further underscoring their pattern of neglecting safety regulations.
- Who was indicted in connection with the 2021 trench collapse?
- A Texas grand jury indicted Carlos Guerrero and his employer, D Guerra Construction LLC, for the death of Juan José Galvan Batalla in a 2021 trench collapse.
- What does the NPR investigation reveal about the frequency of trench collapse deaths and prosecutions?
- The incident highlights the dangers of trench collapses in the construction industry and the infrequent prosecution of employers in such cases; NPR reported that only 11 employers faced criminal charges in 250 trench collapse deaths over a decade.