A worker who was crushed to death by the blade of a 22-tonne wind turbine has been remembered as an “incredible” colleague by friends who have rallied to support his heartbroken wife.
Jess Patience, 36, died when a huge prop fell on her while working at the Golden Plains wind farm in Rokewood, Victoria, 132 kilometers west of Melbourne, at 8am on Monday.
Emergency services attended the scene but were unable to save him.
WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the incident and The Australian Workers Union called it a “preventable accident” and said the “devastating loss could have been avoided”.
Vestas, the company that owns the wind farm, confirmed that the site had been closed while emergency services and authorities continue their work.
Another Golden Plains worker, Elliot Sawkins, said his team had lost one of their “brothers” in a tribute on social media.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family and widow of Jess Patience, who died in a workplace accident on Monday.
Mister Sawkins wrote that Mr. Patience was “one of the friendliest guys I have ever met.”
“(He) took me under his wing to teach me a lot during the time I worked with him,” Sawkins wrote.
“He was always willing to chat about many of our shared experiences, from growing up in the mountains to living in Canada, he was a great guy.”
“This tragedy has resulted in someone not coming home from work and leaving their wife behind.”
workplace images 7news It showed three turbines, two of which appeared to be supported by a metal structure.
The third sword seemed to have fallen from the structure that held it, and there was also a crumpled ladder on the ground next to a large sword.
The wind turbine was reportedly under construction and its blades can weigh up to 22 tons each.
Several emergency services vehicles were seen at the scene, including an ambulance, a fire truck and police officers.
Jess Patience died when a wind turbine blade crushed him at the Golden Plains wind farm in Rokewood, Victoria, 132 kilometers west of Melbourne, at 8am on Monday.
Workers wearing high-visibility clothing and helmets were at the scene, along with police, paramedics and SES volunteers.
Some distraught workers gathered in a nearby meadow after the tragedy.
TO GoFundMe has been released by friend Lee Denko to support Mr. Patience’s widow and his family with funeral expenses.
Denko described Patience as an “amazing man” who “should still be here.”
“As we come to terms with this unimaginable loss, we want to honor his memory and support his family during this difficult time,” Denko wrote on social media.
‘We invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Jess. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference.’
He urged everyone to celebrate “Jesse’s life and legacy” by donating to the fundraiser.
It has already raised more than $75,000 in just two days, including a $5,000 donation from a wind turbine installation company.