Republic Services garbage collector dies on job in Grapevine, Texas

Officials in Grapevine, Texas, have launched an investigation into the death of 56-year-old Republic Services employee Cecilio Pule.

As reported by NBC 5, Grapevine and Colleyville police responded to 4150 Cedar Dr. just after 2:30 p.m. Dec. 28, 2021, following a report of a man pinned between the hydraulic arms and bin of a garbage truck.

According to a press release from the Grapevine Police Department, a mechanic had been called to the neighborhood earlier. The department states the mechanic was inside the cab “troubleshooting” and “repairing” a mechanical problem when he reportedly “moved the hydraulic arm, then stepped out of the truck and saw the truck operator on the ground. He did not know the operator had stepped onto an area where the arm would drop.”

Cecilio died on the scene a short time later.

Grapevine police told NBC 5 no charges have been filed. Detectives are still trying to determine if this was simply a horrible accident. OSHA also has been notified of the investigation.

Pule’s family questions whether the mechanic followed all safety protocols before attempting to start up the vehicle. They also want to know whether cameras mounted on garbage trucks were all working and captured the incident.

Republic Services released the following statement regarding the incident Dec. 31, 2021:

"The entire Republic Services family is saddened by the loss of our friend and coworker, Cecilio Pule. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. The safety of our employees, our customers, and the public is a core value for Republic. Republic is fully cooperating with the authorities who are investigating this tragedy and any additional inquiries should be directed to them."