Warren

Worker dies after freak accident on Ryan

By Brian Louwers
C & G Staff Writer

A construction worker flung into a piece of heavy equipment last month after a bus struck the metal pole he was carrying later died of his injuries, Warren Police Deputy Commissioner Louis Galasso said Oct. 2

Jason Thorpe of Marysville, 41, was reportedly working at a job site and carrying a metal handrail near the curbside lane of northbound Ryan at about 8:05 a.m. Sept. 28 when the rail protruded into the roadway and was hit by a bus.

“The handrail that he was moving was 36 feet long and when he turned, the rail stuck out into the through traffic lane for northbound Ryan,” Galasso said.

A SMART bus traveling north on Ryan reportedly struck the pole, which in turn propelled Thorpe through the air and into a crane that was mounted to the bridge and used to make repairs.

Galasso said Thorpe was walking about 15 feet from the roadway when the pole was struck.

Thorpe, who was wearing a construction helmet, suffered a severe head injury and was transported to Royal Oak’s William Beaumont Hospital by Warren Fire Department paramedics. He remained unconscious, on life support, and in critical condition until he passed away, Galasso said.

The four passengers on the bus at the time of the accident reported no injuries. Galasso said the bus driver was not cited for any wrongdoing.

Police said Thorpe was an employee of DiPonio Contracting, in Shelby Township.

“This is a very unusual set of events that led to a tragic conclusion,” Galasso said.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Brian Louwers at brianlouwers@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1089.