BURNSVILLE – MnDOT Contractor Fatally Struck in I-35W Construction Zone
BURNSVILLE, Minn. — A tragic accident in a highway construction zone claimed the life of a MnDOT contractor on Wednesday morning, September 24, 2025, when he was struck and killed by a boom truck while working along southbound I-35W near Burnsville Parkway.
Authorities identified the victim as Pierre Mack, who was pronounced dead at the scene after being fatally injured. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in a section of the interstate that had been closed to regular traffic for ongoing roadwork.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol and radio dispatch reports, the boom truck driver was operating within the construction zone when the accident occurred. Investigators said the driver was reversing the vehicle when it struck Mack, who was on foot nearby. Despite the immediate efforts of co-workers and first responders, Mack sustained fatal injuries and could not be revived.
Troopers confirmed that the driver of the boom truck remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators. No indications of impairment have been reported, and the crash is being treated as a workplace incident. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office was called to the site and will officially determine Mack’s cause and manner of death.
The accident brought work to a halt on the project as emergency crews and investigators examined the scene. Traffic along I-35W was not directly impacted due to the closure of the construction zone, but drivers in the area reported heavy police and emergency presence.
The incident has shaken the construction and highway safety community, highlighting once again the dangers faced by road workers even in controlled, closed zones. MnDOT issued a statement expressing condolences to Mack’s family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing the importance of safety procedures and the ongoing investigation into how the accident unfolded.
“Today we lost a valued member of our workforce,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with Pierre Mack’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time of grief. Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to fully understanding how this tragedy occurred.”
Co-workers and fellow contractors described Mack as hardworking, reliable, and deeply respected on the job. His sudden loss has left colleagues stunned and heartbroken. “We work side by side every day, and you never think something like this will happen,” one worker said. “He was a good man, and this is just devastating.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be notified and is expected to conduct a review of the incident, as is standard in workplace fatalities involving construction equipment.
As investigators work to determine the precise circumstances of the accident, Mack’s death stands as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks in highway and construction work. For his family, friends, and coworkers, it is not just another statistic, but the loss of a life filled with dedication, relationships, and promise.
