Man who died in accident at H-Power plant identified

A 41-year-old man who died in an industrial accident at Campbell Industrial Park has been identified as Gulston Spragling.

Spragling of Waianae died at the H-POWER plant located at Hanua Street, after he suffered critical injuries to his lower extremities. The plant is operated by Covanta Honolulu.

Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene shortly before 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him and he died at the scene.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office said an autopsy is expected to be performed today to determine the exact cause of death.

In an e-mailed statement, Covanta said, “All of us at Covanta are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and co-worker. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.”

“The investigation into the accident is ongoing and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as we work diligently to determine exactly what happened. At Covanta, the safety of our employees is our top priority. Tragedies like this remind us how precious life is,” the company said.

The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division has initiated an investigation. An inspector arrived at the worksite Thursday afternoon after Covanta reported the accident, said Bill Kunstman, spokesman for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Depending on the complexity of the case, the investigation could take about six months to complete.