Hendricks County Highway employee killed on job near Coatesville

COATESVILLE — An on-the-job accident left a Hendricks County Highway Department employee dead Wednesday morning.

At approximatley 9:45 a.m., Hendricks County sheriff’s deputies responded to the fatal accident on County Road 450 South (commonly known as Amo/Coatesville Road) near County Road 675 West, involving a Hendricks County Highway Department employee.

A road crew was working near the intersection with a large piece of equipment that is commonly used for excavating ditches along roadways.

For an unknown reason, 61-year-old David Appleby of Clayton, who was acting as a safety flagger, stepped behind the piece of equipment while it was slowly backing up in the work site.

He was struck by the equipment and died at the scene.

There is no indication of alcohol or other intoxicants being involved in this incident. The operator of the equipment, also a Hendricks County Highway employee, is cooperating fully with the investigation.

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office, Hendricks County Coroner’s Office and IOSHA are investigating the incident.

“Dave was a valued employee that had been with the Highway Department for more than 30 years,” Hendricks County Highway Supt. Curt Higginbotham said. “We are sad about the events that took place today.”