Sometimes situations completely beyond people's control lead to terrible accidents that take people's lives. That unfortunately happened in Germany a few days ago. Per People, "An 82-year-old man has died after being fatally crushed by a crane at a car junkyard...." The lethal mishap took place on the afternoon of February 25 in the Obersendling region of Munich. A dreadful convergence of unintentional circumstances led to the hapless man's demise.
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The Excavator Operator Had No Idea Anyone Was in the Vehicle
Per a press release issued by the Munich Police Department, someone was "operating an excavator used to process vehicles destined for scrapping. While doing so, he used the excavator's grab arm to crush the roof of a car and then turned the vehicle upside down."
A bystander then glimpsed someone apparently inside the car, "lifeless," per the police.
That individual, a Munich resident, had evidently gotten into the car unseen and was inadvertently killed when its roof was crushed. Emergency personnel arrived in the scene, including police, firefighters, and paramedics. The body of the man who was deceased was then extricated from the car.
Per the BBC, "According to a police spokesperson, the car did not belong to the man who died. It is believed the victim...may have been at the site to collect scrap metal."
Car Scrapyards Are Dangerous Places
Sites where junked vehicles are housed may seem pretty safe, but there are some inconspicuous hazards you may want to be aware of. Per Business Motoring, "There is a risk of biohazardous waste, hydrocarbons, sharp materials, and heavy metals."
The outlet suggests some tips for your safety if you go scavenging for parts in such places. For example, take a flashlight. Wear appropriate clothing like safety glasses and gloves. Don't lift anything that is too heavy. Be careful of antifreeze and oil.
The outlet cautions, "Due to the numerous risks in a salvage yard, be on high alert for unsafe conditions. Know where others are even as you work. Be aware of the position of your body against those objects that can harm you." You can come across some great finds at car scrapyards, but make sure you always do so safely.
