A 27-year-old man tragically lost his life when a car he was repairing collapsed on him in the driveway of his Riviera Beach, Florida home last Saturday night, as reported by the Riviera Beach Police Department.
The fatal event took place at 360 W 27th Street as the victim was working beneath the front passenger side tire of a 2015 Kia Optima. He had used a hydraulic jack to lift the vehicle on a sloped driveway.
Authorities revealed that the hydraulic jack failed, causing the car to slide off and pin the young man underneath.
A neighboring couple living next door to the victim's residence discovered the tragic scene.
The couple had observed the man working on the car at around 4:00 PM. Upon returning at 10:00 PM, they found him unresponsive beneath the vehicle and immediately called for help.
The emergency call was made at 10:30 PM. Police and firefighters arrived at the scene, and firefighters lifted the Kia Optima to reach the victim, who had already passed away.
The investigation concluded that the sloped driveway was a significant factor in the accident, increasing the risk of the vehicle slipping off the jack.
The Riviera Beach Police Department has classified the death as accidental.
The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed to the public.
The man remained trapped under the car for nearly six hours before being discovered by his neighbors.
Incidents involving hydraulic jack failures during home repairs are a documented issue in the United States.
In September 2023, a 42-year-old Cuban man named José Luis Bustillo also died after being crushed by his own vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the Tamiami area of Miami-Dade.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these incidents result in approximately 4,800 injuries annually, with 74% occurring due to vehicle slips or falls.
Safety experts strongly advise always using jack stands as a backup to the hydraulic jack, working on flat, level surfaces, using wheel chocks, and never undertaking such tasks alone.
Safety Concerns with Hydraulic Jacks
What caused the accident in Riviera Beach?
The accident was caused by the hydraulic jack failing, leading the car to slide off due to the sloped driveway, trapping the victim underneath.
How common are accidents involving hydraulic jacks?
Incidents involving hydraulic jack failures are quite common, with around 4,800 injuries occurring each year in the U.S., primarily due to vehicle slips or falls.
What safety measures should be taken when using a hydraulic jack?
Safety experts recommend using jack stands as a backup, working on flat and level surfaces, using wheel chocks, and avoiding performing such tasks alone.