Construction worker killed in crash on site of planned data center
A construction worker died in a vehicle crash at Meta's data center construction site in Lebanon, Indiana. Police and the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident. Concerns about worker safety at the site have been raised.
A 33-year-old construction worker, Christopher Lot, died after being struck by a vehicle at Meta's data center work site in Lebanon's LEAP District on Monday night. Police were called to the scene at approximately 5:45 PM.
The initial police report indicates the driver had the sun in her eyes, obstructing her vision, and passengers in the company pickup also reported not seeing Lot in the road. Despite social media speculation, police do not believe the crash was intentional, categorizing it as an unfortunate accident. Mortenson, the general contractor for the 1,500-acre project, gave workers Tuesday and Wednesday off to grieve the loss of their co-worker. Project partners extended their deepest sympathies, and counselors were made available to those affected.
The incident remains under investigation by the crash scene unit. Online concerns have been raised regarding worker safety on the property, despite a 9 mph speed limit sign in the construction zone. Additionally, there have been crashes on nearby State Road 32, including a fatal one earlier this year. The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also initiated an investigation into the incident.