WASA worker’s death caused by spine injuries

The weight of the mound of dirt that fell on Kern Reynold Ettienne, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) worker, is responsible for his death.

On Wednesday, a post-mortem at the Point Fortin Hospital by Dr Arlene Rampersad found the primary cause of his death was the transection of the thoracic spine. The police said it meant the injuries to the spinal cord were fatal.

Ettienne, 39, of Embacadere in San Fernando, worked as a craftsman with WASA.

He died on Sunday after a mound of dirt collapsed and trapped him in a trench while he was working at Rienzi Kirton Highway, San Fernando, near the Cross Crossing overpass.

The father of two and other workers were doing emergency repairs on a sewer pipeline. His colleagues managed to get him out.

Ettienne was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Funeral plans are ongoing.

WASA, the Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency and the police have each launched an investigation into the death.