In a tragic incident in New York, a man lost his life and another was injured when the dumpster they were sleeping in was emptied into a garbage truck. The incident took place early Thursday at a shopping plaza in Commack, Long Island, as reported by Suffolk County police.
The two men were in the dumpster when it was emptied into the garbage truck. The vehicle then traveled nearly six miles to William Rogers Middle School in Kings Park. It was there, around 6:30 a.m., that an individual was spotted in the back of the truck.
Authorities promptly removed the individual from the truck and transported him to Huntington Hospital. He was treated for a leg injury. The other man, unfortunately, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner’s office. However, police have stated that they do not believe the man was deceased before being dumped into the truck.
The identities of the two men have not been released, but it is believed that they were both sleeping in the dumpster at the time of the incident.
In response to the incident, school officials in Kings Park sent a message to parents. They assured them that the emergency response at the middle school was unrelated to the school and posed no threat to students or staff. Classes continued to operate as usual.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those without secure shelter, and the need for more comprehensive solutions to homelessness.