UPDATE: Gravel mining accident fatal for Wasilla man

PALMER — State and federal officials are investigating an industrial accident that claimed the life of a Wasilla man late Thursday afternoon.

Rick Meshew, 49, was killed shortly before 5 p.m. at the Central Paving Products gravel mining operation at Mile 38 of the Glenn Highway, according to an Alaska State Troopers report. Troopers initially reported the accident victim was a Palmer resident, but have updated that information. Identificaton of the man was withheld Thursday evening as next of kin was located and notified of the accident.

Medics responded to the scene after the man became entangled in a conveyor belt at the gravel pit, said Megan Peters, spokeswoman for AST.

“Right now, everyone is calling it an industrial accident,” Peters said. “No one’s mentioned anything about [suspecting] any type of foul play.”

No other people were injured, Peters said, adding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mining Safety and Health Administration responded to the scene. Both agencies monitor and regulate safety procedures and operations.

OSHA and MSHA will continue to investigate the accident, said Dave Dickhaus, one of the owners of Central Paving Products. He declined to comment further while the victim’s family and other workers are notified.

In addition to OSHA, MSHA and state troopers, “there’s an investigation going on by ourselves,” Dickhaus said.

Contact Greg Johnson at 352-2268 or greg.johnson@frontiersman.com.