KNOX — One person was killed and two were injured when the barn they were working to dismantle collapsed on the morning of Thursday, September 13.

 

The barn, at 1039 Belfast Road in Knox, was being taken apart by the three men when the collapse occurred. Freedom Fire Department Chief James Waterman said the 911 call came in at 9:25 a.m.

 

A news release from the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the roof of the barn had collapsed on one of the men, trapping him inside.

 

Upon arrival at the scene first responders attempted to extricate William Viles, 55, of Belfast. However despite their efforts, Viles died at the scene. 

 

The release states that a second man, Brandon Dodge, 29 of Belfast was transported to Waldo County General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and a third worker 23-year-old Charles Haskins of Jackson, was treated for minor injuries at the scene. 

 

Suydam & Sons of Northport was the contractor dismantling the structure when the accident occurred. The proprietor of the Suydam & Sons, William Magruder, 60 of Northport was the fourth worker on the scene at the time of the incident, according to the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office. 

Fire Departments from Montville, Freedom, Brooks, Jackson, Thorndike and Unity all responded to the call as well as Ambulances from Unity, Brooks and Liberty.  Lifeflight was initially requested, but ultimately canceled prior to arrival, according to the release.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified and responded to the scene to conduct an investigation which is standard protocol with all serious workplace injuries or deaths.  Detectives from the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office remained on scene to assist in that matter.

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