Construction worker struck, killed by fallen tree

BONAIRE, Ga. — The Houston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a construction accident killed a worker and injured another on Tuesday morning.

According to a release by the sheriff’s office, on Jan 30, a little after 10:20 a.m., the patrol division responded to a construction site at 495 S. Highway 247 in Bonaire.

A construction crew was clearing timber at the scene, when a tree rotated away from the machinery, falling towards two workers. The tree struck both workers, injuring them.

According to Houston County Coroner James Williams, 58-year-old Celso Sanchez of Griffin was killed in the accident. He was transported to Houston Healthcare – Warner Robins via EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to the sheriff’s office, the other worker, Jeremy Watkins, suffered a broken arm and was transported to a local hospital.

Calling the scene a tragic accident, Lt. Matt Moulton said there was no indication of foul play or unsafe working conditions.

“They had knocked over several other trees that went as planned, and this one buckled and rotated. There was nothing that the operator of the equipment could do to change the trajectory of the tree as it fell,” Moulton said.

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the accident. The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with more information to contact Sgt. John Kamens at (478) 542-2085.

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