Worker Killed in Accident, First Woman in DSNY History

Rebekah A. Hall

New York – A New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) worker was killed yesterday when she was crushed by the garbage truck’s mechanical arm. Eva Barrientos, 41, was the first woman killed in the line of duty in the department's history.

On Jan. 27, Barrientos and her partner were emptying refuse containers from a school in Brooklyn. When the vehicle’s rear compactor jammed, Barrientos climbed into the truck to clear away garbage bags and then moved on top of the truck’s cab. The partner, who was in the driver’s seat, believed Barrientos was on the ground and turned on the mechanical arm, pinning Barrientos.

Barrientos’ partner had a good record with only a minor traffic citation several years ago. The DSNY is investigating the accident, news sources report.