The flag at Vancouver city hall is at half-mast this week as the city mourns the loss of an employee who was killed in a workplace accident over the weekend.
Moreno Cerra was working with one of the city’s engineering street crews at Boundary Road and Second Avenue Saturday afternoon when it appears a compressor that was being towed somehow broke loose and rolled down the hill.
Cerra was struck by the compressor and suffered devastating injuries. Emergency crews responded and CPR was performed, but he died at the scene.
Cerra had worked for the city for 17 years.
Watermain and sewer infrastructure work has been taking place in several blocks along Boundary during recent weeks.
“Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Moreno Cerra who passed away on Saturday, September 28. Thank you for your 17 years of service to the City of Vancouver, Moreno.”
The city also took to Twitter in the hopes of identifying a member of the public who helped in the effort to save Cerra’s life Saturday.
“We’ve been made aware that a member of the public kindly assisted at the scene in trying to save the life of our colleague who sadly passed away on Saturday,” the city tweeted. “We would like to contact this person to thank them & offer support.”
Counselling services have been made available for city staff.
Burnaby RCMP, WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroners Service are all investigating. The city is also conducting its own investigation into the incident.
- With files from Chris Campbell/Burnaby Now
@JessicaEKerr
jkerr@vancourier.com
