Garbage truck driver dies after tank malfunction at semiconductor facility under construction

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — A garbage truck driver is dead after a reported explosion Wednesday afternoon at a semiconductor facility in north Phoenix.

According to police, 41-year-old Cesar Anguiano-Guitron was taking garbage away around 2:45 p.m. from the construction site at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant when there was a possible issue involving the tractor-trailer, which stores the trash under pressure.

While inspecting the tank, an “uncontrolled pressure release” occurred, and Anguiano-Guitron was hit by an object and thrown more than 20 feet from the truck, police said.

He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

No plant employees or construction workers were hurt.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited is the world’s largest contract chipmaker. The company first announced plans for a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Phoenix in May 2020 and began construction in July 2022.

Production is expected to start in 2025.

In a statement Thursday, the company said it is cooperating with the investigation into the incident.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the man who passed away in yesterday’s tragic accident which occurred on our site. We care about the safety and wellbeing of each of our employees, our construction trade workforce and vendors, as well as every visitor to our site. We are grateful for the immediate emergency response and the first responders for their efforts,” the company said.

Copyright 2024 KPHO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.