PICTURED: Worker Craig Van Uden who was crushed to death on the job
The daughter of a truck driver who died in a tragic accident at work on Tuesday has written an emotional tribute to her father, remembering him as the “kindest, most caring man”.
Erin Van Uden announced the passing of her father Craig Van Uden with ‘a heavy heart’.
The tragedy occurred at around 8am in Donnybrook, 200km south of Perth, on July 23.
Mr Van Uden, who works for the company Hastie Waste, was fatally injured when he removed a waste container from the front garden of a house on Owen Street.
The police and ambulance arrived quickly on the scene. There they found Mr. Van Uden, succumbed to a truck.
The 57-year-old man died on the spot.
“This is a difficult time for our family and everyone who knew him,” his daughter wrote on social media.
“He was the kindest, funniest, most caring person who was loved by so many. We are in total shock but thank everyone who has supported us already.
WorkSafe WA is investigating the incident at Donnybrook. Photo: Supplied
Truck driver Craig Van Uden died after picking up a dumpster in Donnybrook, WA on July 23, 2024. Photo: Supplied
“We’ve got the fire going and we’re waiting for you to come home, Dad. We love you.”
WorkSafe WA detectives attended the scene and conducted an investigation.
Nigel Tuia, director of Hastie Waste, said Mr Van Uden had worked for the company for 11 years.
“Craig was a great team member, always quick to wave and greet us cheerfully,” he said.
‘He made sure we had a cheerful atmosphere in our workplace and the joy he experienced during his day, he also spread to our customers.’
Mr Van Uden’s death was one of two work-related fatalities that occurred in Western Australia on Tuesday.
At 1.30pm emergency services rushed to Lilian Road in Maida Vale, in Perth’s far east.
“It is believed a worker was electrocuted while pruning trees near high-voltage power lines,” a WorkSafe spokeswoman said.
Researchers from WorkSafe and Building and Energy arrived on site.
‘The investigators investigated the circumstances of the incidents to ensure compliance and prevent similar incidents in the future.’