FAIRFIELD, Ala. — The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is investigating a fatal workplace accident that claimed the life of a 39-year-old Bessemer man at the U.S. Steel property.
On June 16, Michael Dewaine Townsend, a Transtar employee, was riding a railcar around 10 p.m. when it sideswiped another railcar on the tracks. He sustained severe blunt force trauma in the collision.
EMS transported Townsend to BMC Princeton Hospital in Birmingham, where medical staff pronounced him dead at 11:14 p.m.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. Transtar, also known as Fairfield Southern Company, confirmed the employee’s death and offered condolences to Townsend’s family.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
