Construction fatalities often happen because of preventable factors
All construction was suspended at the future site of a massive data center in Medina County after a worker was killed in October 2025. The Medina County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 28-year-old Maurice McGowan. He tragically died on a Monday morning after being struck by an articulating truck at the construction site on County Road 683, the planned home of Rowan Digital Infrastructure’s superscale data center, known as the “Cinco Project.”
The fatal construction accident happened around 10 a.m. inside the work zone, according to officials. Emergency medics at the site responded immediately, and paramedics continued life-saving efforts when they arrived. Tragically, McGowan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Why was construction on the Cinco Project suspended?
Turner Construction, the company overseeing the project, released a statement confirming that all work had stopped while investigators determine how the tragedy occurred. The company did not say when construction might resume.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the individual’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the company said. “We are committed to understanding how this happened to ensure an incident like this never occurs again.”
Turner Construction said it is cooperating fully with authorities and is offering counseling services to workers affected by McGowan’s death. Rowan Digital Infrastructure, which owns the project, also issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and support for Turner’s investigation.
Nearby resident Quentin Ashcraft told KSAT he was driving to a medical appointment that morning when he noticed emergency vehicles rushing to the site.
“Just a bunch of ambulances,” he said. “Then, they stopped all those gravel trucks, and they were all lined up on the road.”
Ashcraft said he learned later from another neighbor that someone had been killed. Even before the accident, he said he had concerns about safety at the busy construction site.
“Any time you have big equipment, it’s going to be dangerous,” he said. “It’s already a pretty busy road, and then now, you add all the equipment and big trucks.”
Who is investigating the incident?
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into McGowan’s death. A spokesperson said additional details will be released as they become available.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also been contacted to determine whether a federal workplace safety investigation will take place. However, responses from OSHA’s media team have been delayed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
McGowan’s death has left coworkers and community members shaken. Turner Construction said its focus now is on supporting employees, cooperating with investigators, and reviewing all safety procedures at the site.
The Medina County project had recently been featured in local news for its size and economic promise. It now sits quietly behind closed gates, as investigators work to understand exactly what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again.
What are the dangers of construction vehicle accidents?
Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in the country, and heavy trucks are often at the center of that danger. Massive vehicles such as dump trucks, articulating trucks, and loaders constantly move through tight spaces filled with workers, uneven terrain, and limited visibility. One missed signal, blind spot, or momentary distraction can lead to a fatal crash.
Several factors make these environments especially risky:
- Limited visibility and large blind spots around heavy vehicles
- Tight workspaces shared by both workers and moving equipment
- Fatigue or distraction among operators after long shifts
- Communication breakdowns between drivers and ground crews
- Noise and chaos make it hard for workers to hear warnings or signals
Even experienced operators face challenges managing multi-ton machinery in high-traffic zones. Without strict safety protocols, clear communication, and ongoing training, these worksites can quickly become life-threatening environments. Every construction project depends on powerful equipment, but every worker deserves a site where safety matters just as much as progress.
Third-party construction vehicle claims in Texas
When a serious injury or fatality happens on a construction site, many workers assume their only option is a workers’ compensation claim. But that isn’t always the case. In Texas, when a worker is hit by a construction vehicle operated by someone from another company, injured by a negligent contractor, or harmed because a third-party failed to follow basic safety rules, the law allows victims to pursue a third-party injury claim separate from the workers’ compensation system.
This distinction matters because third-party claims can provide compensation for losses that workers’ comp doesn’t cover, including pain and suffering, full lost income, and long-term impact on your quality of life. These cases often arise when:
- A truck or heavy vehicle is operated by a subcontractor or outside company
- A driver ignores site safety protocols or attempts unsafe maneuvers
- A company fails to train or supervise its vehicle operators properly
- A contractor crowds the work zone with equipment, creating blind-spot hazards
- A delivery driver enters the site without following the required check-in procedures
In tragedies like the Medina County articulating truck fatality, multiple companies are typically involved in a complex web of contracts, safety responsibilities, and operational control. That is why third-party claims require a law firm that knows how to identify all potentially liable parties, preserve evidence immediately, and navigate the overlapping responsibilities on large construction projects.
At The Herrera Law Firm, we focus solely on third-party work injury cases, not workers’ compensation claims, and understand how quickly evidence can disappear on a busy job site. When a truck operator or outside contractor fails to protect workers, they can and should be held accountable.
Our San Antonio construction accident lawyers are here to help
If you were injured on a construction site in San Antonio, you don’t have to take on powerful companies or insurance adjusters alone. The Herrera Law Firm has spent decades standing up for injured Texans and their families. When you reach out to us, your consultation is completely free. You’ll speak directly with an experienced member of our team who will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you understand the next steps toward justice.
There’s no pressure, no hidden costs, and no confusing legal talk. You get clear, compassionate guidance from a team that’s helped countless families across San Antonio and South Texas rebuild after serious accidents. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and start protecting your rights. The sooner you act, the sooner we can help you take back control of your life.
