DPW worker dies after tragic injury while working in West Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- A solid waste worker died on the job while collecting trash in West Baltimore Friday morning, according to the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW).

On Saturday, DPW announced that Timothy Cartwell, a waste collector assigned to the Reedbird Sanitation Yard, was working in the alleyway of 1800 Baker Street where he sustained fatal injuries.

Police said Cartwell was trapped between a garbage truck and a wooden light pole and was ultimately crushed by the force of the truck. He was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he later died from his injuries.

DPW stated that Cartwell's passing is "a profound loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues." 

The release also stated that senior DPW leadership visited the hospital to provide support during this time, saying, "We are fully committed to supporting all employees affected by this tragedy. Counseling services and support are available to staff through the City's Employee Assistance Program."

Cartwell's death comes just a few months after another DPW worker passed while on duty due to heat-related injuries in August.

The circumstances surrounding Cartwell's injuries are under investigation by the Baltimore Police Department.

"A great loss..."

The death of Cartwell left community members stunned.

"It's never-ending," Community Leader Crystal Parker said. "I just can't believe that it just continues."

"Our neighbors that are sanitation workers live right here," said Doc Cheatham, the President of the Matthew Henson Neighborhood Association. "We live and work with many of them. So, it's a great loss for us."

Cheatham told WJZ Reporter, Kaicey Baylor, that the community is heartbroken by another tragic death that happened on the job.

"We're having a conversation once again," said Linda Batts, another community leader. "Donald Savoy, Trina Cunningham, Ronald Silver...and several months later, Mr. Timothy Cartwell. DPW promised following the loss of Mr.Silver that it was going to implement immediate corrections and safeguards. Yet, we see those safeguards have not been implemented."

Batts also explained how important it is to remind people that DPW workers are vital to the city.

"We must treat them with respect," she said. We must treat them with dignity and we must ensure that the conditions under which they work are just as nice as the cushy conditions inside of city hall."

Cheatham said they must speak out and take action.

"These could be our relatives and if we don't speak up as community leaders, who is going to speak up?" he said.

Searching for Answers  

Community leaders are calling for something to be done to prevent another loss.

"It's clear the city and the city agencies have failed many of these employees," Cheatham said. "What's going to be the next incident?"

Community leaders are seeing accountability, and questioning how the agency is ensuring safety on the job.

"Get a hold of these reports ourselves and scrutinize them," Parker said. "Come together collectively and walk these alleys and walk these routes with our workers. See what they're enduring."

Cheatham said he plans to hold what could be a protest or gathering in the coming days.