New Bedford city worker killed in garage accident

NEW BEDFORD (AP) - New Bedford officials say a 55-year-old man has died after being pinned between the bucket and the cab of a Bobcat he was repairing at the Water Department.

Police Capt. Steven Vicente tells the New Bedford Standard Times that Carlos Tabares was pronounced dead at a hospital about an hour after the 11 a.m. Friday accident.

Ronald Labelle, New Bedford's commissioner of public infrastructure, said Tabares was found unconscious by a co-worker who had been working on the Bobcat's engine but had gone briefly to get something. Labelle said a hydraulic lift failed and the Bobcat bucket struck Tabares in the back, pinning him.

Police are investigating the equipment failure.

Mayor Jon Mitchell called Tabares' death "a great loss" and said counseling is available for co-workers. Tabares had worked for the city nine years.

Cox Media Group