Workers' comp inspector on scene of fatal accident

By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
March 22, 2001
YORK An inspection of a sewer manhole on Fourth Street today may further officials' investigation into the recent deaths of three city employees and the hospitalization of another.
Arthur Jones, J.D. Coleman and Otha Hinson died of asphyxiation. The men inhaled toxic methane gas fumes while working on a sewer line in the manhole two weeks ago. Jones, 35, and Coleman, 44, died about 21/2 hours after the incident occurred. Hinson, 35, died two days later.
David Webb was released from Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa Monday and is recovering at home, York Mayor Carolyn Gosa said.
The cause of the incident is undetermined.
She said a workers' compensation insurance investigator questioned people the day the incident occurred. York police officers and Sumter County sheriff's investigators are also working on the case.
Gosa said investigators plan to interview Webb. The workers' compensation investigator, law enforcement officers and city officials plan to meet at the manhole today.
Though they have hired an attorney, there has been no lawsuit filed by the families of the three men who died.
She said city employees who worked closely with the three men who died are coping.
She said city officials formed a grief committee for the employees and family members. A minister, a city council member, a grief specialist on retainer for the city and other people from the community are part of the committee.
The men's funerals were held over the weekend.
She said people have given generously to memorial funds set up at the Bank of York for the survivors and encourages additional contributions.
To contribute, call (205) 392-5205 and ask for Frances Moll, or go by the bank at 301 Broad St.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x