Worker dies at paper mill demolition site

NORTH SHORE — A track hoe operator working at a demolition site in Northeast Harris County was killed Friday night in the 18500 block of Old Beaumont Highway at the Abatibi Paper Mill.

Sources say the plant’s construction was being altered for a new development of housing and commercial use by CalTex Corporation.

South Lake E.M.S. and Sheldon Fire Personnel repeatedly went to the location. Security guards stopped all news media at the gates that night and the next day, aided by sheriff’s deputies and Pct. 3 constables. No statement has been issued for the cause of the accident.

Sheldon Fire Department and HFD Heavy Rescue crews also responded to the scene.

According to HFD, the track hoe operator was working when a six story part of the building came crashing down on him. He died while working at the scene.

HFD said nine other people sustained minor injuries, but none of them was transported to the hospital.