Visalia, California is home to many large industrial facilities. These facilities use heavy machinery on a daily basis. Unfortunately, accidents involving this machinery are not uncommon.
Accident Statistics
Visalia California is home to many agricultural and manufacturing plants. This has led to an increase in machinery accidents in the area. In 2017, there were 5 machinery accidents in Visalia, accounting for nearly one-third of all machinery accidents in the region. The majority of these accidents involved heavy equipment.
The high rate of machinery accidents in Visalia is likely due to the combination of the large number of plants in the area and the lack of safety regulations. In order to address this problem, the city is working to establish stricter safety regulations for companies operating in Visalia.
Manufacturing Companies
Visalia is home to a number of different manufacturing companies, many of which produce heavy machinery. Some of the more well-known companies are:
| California Dairies, Inc. Sorma, U.S.A., LLC Voltage Multipliers Inc. Serpa Packaging Solutions LLC Kaweah Container, Inc. Diamond Perforated Metals Inc Edeniq, Inc. |
R. Lang Company Hellwig Products Company, Inc. Polymerpak, LLC Perfection Pet Foods, LLC Premier Trailer Manufacturing Inc. CM Construction Services, Inc. Compac Sorting Equipment Inc. |
With such a concentration of heavy machinery in one place, it’s no surprise that there have been a number of accidents involving machines.
Machinery Accidents
Visalia, California, has experienced various accidents over the years, highlighting the importance of safety and caution in everyday life. From machinery malfunctions to vehicle collisions, these incidents serve as reminders of the potential risks individuals face. In this article, we summarize five notable accidents that occurred in or near Visalia, emphasizing the need for safety measures and community awareness.
- Wind Machine Malfunction in a Citrus Orchard:
In January 2019, tragedy struck when a wind machine malfunctioned in a Tulare County citrus orchard near Visalia. The spinning blade detached and struck a worker, causing fatal internal injuries. The orchard owners expressed their condolences and pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. This incident highlights the importance of regular equipment maintenance and proper safety protocols.
- Transformer Explosion During a Storm:
During a heavy rainstorm accompanied by lightning, a transformer in Visalia was struck by lightning, resulting in an explosion. Although the incident caused a significant commotion, there were no reported injuries or power outages. The occurrence of such incidents serves as a reminder for individuals to exercise caution during storms, use battery-operated flashlights instead of candles, and conserve power for emergencies.
- Fatal Train Accident:
In a tragic incident in March 2010, a Metrolink commuter train collided with a maintenance truck, resulting in the death of a 56-year-old Visalia man. The victim, an employee of Union Pacific, was working on the railroad tracks when the collision occurred. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, but suicide has been ruled out as a contributing factor. This accident emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety while working in areas shared by multiple trains.
- ATV Crash Claims the Life of a Child:
A fatal all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident occurred on Riggin Avenue near Kelsey Street in Visalia. A Chevrolet truck collided with an ATV driven by a young boy, leading to the child’s tragic death. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, and drugs and alcohol were ruled out as factors in the accident. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to traffic safety rules, especially when sharing the road with vulnerable users.
- Van Crashes into a Business:
A large van crashed into a business on the corner of Santa Fe Street and Noble Avenue in Visalia. The driver, attempting to avoid entering traffic, swerved to bypass an intersection and collided with the building. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians, and the driver only sustained minor injuries. Although the business suffered significant damage, the incident serves as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic signals.
Conclusion:
These notable accidents in Visalia, California, highlight the importance of safety awareness and the implementation of preventive measures. By prioritizing equipment maintenance, adhering to traffic rules, and exercising caution during storms, individuals can contribute to a safer community. The lessons learned from these unfortunate incidents serve as reminders for everyone to be vigilant, prioritize safety, and work together to prevent accidents in the future.