2 Cleveland Water employees struck by vehicle, 1 critically injured

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Two Cleveland Water Department employees were struck while repairing a water main break in the city’s Lee Seville neighborhood early Thursday.

The accident happened around 2 a.m. on S. Miles Road at Langly Avenue.

“EMS advised us that they were transported. One of them had what they described as minor injuries. The second was transported with more critical injuries,” says Sergeant Diaz with Cleveland Police.

Cleveland Water Department Spokesperson Danielle Miklos said the driver of an SUV drove into the coned-off work zone, hitting both men.

“The employees that were working here were protected by traffic cones and precautionary measures to make sure that folks that are driving are aware that work was being done,” says Sergeant Diaz.

Cleveland EMS transported the victims to University Hospitals.

According to Cleveland EMS, a 55-year-old man has critical injuries and a 21-year-old man has minor injuries. Their names have not been released.

“The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority. We continue to urge drivers to remain alert, slow down, and follow all posted signs when approaching work zones,” said Miklos.

Sgt. Diaz said the driver fled the scene, but with the assistance of the Real Time Crime Center, officers located the vehicle and driver in Maple Heights around 2:50 a.m.

Sgt. Diaz said the 61-year-man was arrested and charges are pending.

“The consequences of not paying attention, whether it is driving impaired or driving recklessly, these city workers they want to go home as well. So this is just a good reminder of the dangers of these type of incidents,” says Sgt. Diaz.