Utility worker dies during school's science demonstration

June 4, 2007
Fall from utility bucket during egg drop experiment kills man.

A utility company employee died and a school teacher was injured last week during a science demonstration witnessed by about 600 students at Hiawatha Elementary School in Othello, Wash. Line foreman Robert D. Smith, 50, died at the school's annual egg drop, a science lesson that involves student-constructed devices that will protect an egg dropped from an elevated utility bucket 20 to 30 feet to the ground. The utility truck's extended boom separated from its base, throwing Smith and the teacher from the bucket to the ground. Smith appeared to have died from head injuries. The teacher was hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Click here to read The Spokane Spokesman-Review article.

UPDATE: Investigation continues into school accident. (The Spokane Spokesman-Review)

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