Westford worker injured in asphalt plant conveyor belt accident

A worker sustained serious injuries during a serious industrial accident at an asphalt plant in Westford, Massachusetts, on Friday, August 14. The incident occurred at a Newport Materials processing site on Groton Road when the individual's arm became trapped in a conveyor belt approximately 10 feet above the ground.

The rescue required a large-scale mutual aid response, including the Westford Fire and Police Departments and the Essex County Technical Rescue Team. In a highly unusual medical intervention, surgical teams from Lowell General Hospital and Lahey Hospital were brought directly to the scene to provide specialized on-scene support during the extrication process.

The worker was successfully freed at approximately 1:30 p.m. and was airlifted to a Level 1 trauma center for advanced medical care. Despite the severity of the injuries, officials reported that the worker remained conscious and alert throughout the rescue. He is expected to survive.