Deadly Construction Accident Results in $50K Fine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health is fining a company nearly $52,000 for alleged violations relating to the death of a demolition worker involved in the new St. Paul Saints ballpark.

Sixty-one-year-old Johnny Valek, of Plymouth, was killed in September when a concrete section collapsed on the cab of his backhoe. It was part of a building being torn down to make way for the new Saints ballpark.

The Pioneer Press reports Minnesota OSHA found three serious violations, including failing to continually make inspections during demolition, and levied a $51,650 fine against the company the man worked for, Rachel Contracting Inc.

According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration website, the company contested the citations last month. A company representative didn't immediately return a call for comment Wednesday afternoon.