CEO: WASA to pay for deceased employee's funeral

Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) CEO Kelvin Romain says two simultaneous investigations have been launched into the circumstances which led to an employee dying after being buried alive.

Kern Etienne, 39, was part of a crew conducting repairs on a sewer line near Cross Crossing in San Fernando when the incident occurred.

He was standing inside a trench when a mound of dirt at the side of the trench collapsed into it, trapping him underneath.

Etienne’s colleagues attempted to dig through the dirt to rescue him but by the time they were able to get to him, he had already suffered serious injury.

WASA, in a statement, said Etienne was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“It has been a tragic situation with the unfortunate passing of our valued employee, Kern Etienne,” said Romain.

He added, “What I can say is that we have a full investigation going on. It has been launched and (Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency) obviously were contacted and they will be carrying out their own investigations as well.”

While he was hesitant to speak about the incident until investigations were completed, Romain said initial reports had characterised it as an accident.

Romain said the other employees who were with Etienne at the time of the accident were also receiving psychological support.

“Of course, everyone who would have been on-site will receive counselling…I would have spoken to some of the workers myself and they were distraught so I am certain that counselling is required. It is a formality in a case like this.”

Romain said Etienn's family was also receiving support.

“WASA would have engaged the family members and is in the process of providing counselling. I myself have visited his mother and some of his other family members and extended my deepest condolences on behalf of the authority.”

Romain said he would liaise with Etienne’s family to get further information on funeral arrangements as WASA has volunteered to pay for his funeral.

Romain was asked about claims on social media that the scene of Etienne’s death was not preserved as the hole in which he died was refilled with dirt

“I don’t have any definitive information regarding that but if that is the case that would be a concern,” he said.

Romain said there was no definitive timeline for completion of the internal investigation into the incident.

“I would want (these investigations) to be as comprehensive as possible but (done) with urgency.”