The Orangetown Police Department and multiple emergency agencies responded to a serious industrial accident in Orangeburg on Tuesday morning after a 44-year-old Spring Valley man became entrapped in a commercial landscaping machine.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, at approximately 8:24 a.m., when the victim’s legs became trapped in an industrial-grade wood chipper. First arriving units, confirmed the victim had both feet entrapped. Rescue crews from South Orangetown Ambulance Corps and Rockland Paramedics were already providing medical care when fire units arrived.
Given the complexity of the extrication, the Rockland County Technical Rescue Team was requested along with Rockland County Fire Coordinators. In a critical move, employees of the Orangetown Sewer Department operated a plasma cutter on scene, cutting through the heavy steel of the machine to allow rescuers to free the victim.
The man was extricated after an extended effort and transferred to EMS for transport to Westchester Medical Center’s Trauma Unit. His current condition has not been released.
The response involved a wide range of agencies, including the South Orangetown Ambulance Corps, Rockland County Paramedics, Tappan Fire Department, Sparkill Fire Department, Orangeburg Fire Department, Orangetown Highway Department, Orangetown Department of Environmental Management and Engineering, New York State Police, Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI Crime Scene Unit, OSHA, and surrounding fire departments.
Despite Sparkill Fire establishing a landing zone, a Medivac helicopter could not respond due to inclement weather. The Orangeburg Fire Department provided coverage for Tappan Fire during the incident.
Officials commended the operation as a demonstration of outstanding interagency coordination, professionalism, and commitment to public safety. The investigation is ongoing under OSHA, the Orangetown Police Department, and the Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI.
