Aerial Work Platform Fatality Reported at Denver Airport

30-Second Takeaway

A United Airlines maintenance technician died late on Thursday night, December 18, after being involved in a collision between two aerial work platforms at Denver International Airport. According to initial reports, one platform stopped unexpectedly and was struck by a second unit, trapping the worker. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the technician was pronounced dead at the scene. OSHA, the Denver Police Department, and United Airlines have launched investigations into the incident.

Incident Overview

A fatal workplace incident occurred just before midnight on Thursday, December 18, involving aerial work platforms at Denver International Airport.

According to local media reports, a United Airlines facilities maintenance technician was operating or driving an aerial work platform—commonly referred to as a “cherry picker”—when it suddenly came to a stop. A second aerial platform reportedly collided with the stationary unit, trapping the worker.

Although the technician was rescued relatively quickly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

What Is Known

• Date and time: Late Thursday night, December 18, just before midnight

• Location: Denver International Airport

• Employer: United Airlines (Facilities Maintenance)

• Equipment involved: Two aerial work platforms (“cherry pickers”)

• Nature of incident: Collision between two platforms

• Outcome: One fatality

Emergency and Official Response

Following the incident:

• The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opened an investigation

• The Denver Police Department is also involved

• United Airlines confirmed its cooperation with investigators

United Airlines released the following statement:

“A United Facilities maintenance technician employee was involved in a vehicle accident at work that resulted in his death. We are working with the employee's family and coworkers to provide support during this time, and we are also investigating the circumstances of the accident. We are cooperating fully with investigators.”

What Is Not Yet Known

At the time of publication, the following details have not been confirmed:

• The specific type or model of aerial work platforms involved

• Whether the platforms were being driven or positioned at height

• The speed and direction of travel of the second platform

• Lighting, visibility, or surface conditions at the time

• Whether any mechanical malfunction occurred

Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Aerial work platform incidents involving multiple machines often involve:

• Congested work areas

• Limited visibility during night operations

• Unexpected equipment stoppages

• Insufficient separation between moving platforms

When platforms are operated in close proximity, the risk of collision increases if movement controls, communication, or exclusion zones are not clearly defined.

Industry Reminder

Aerial work platforms are often viewed as routine equipment, but when operated in shared spaces, they carry significant collision and crushing hazards.

This incident underscores the importance of traffic control, visibility, and coordination, particularly during night maintenance operations in large facilities such as airports.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on lifting and access equipment incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. This article reflects information available at the time of publication and will be updated as additional facts are confirmed.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Traffic Management for Mobile Platforms

Defined travel routes, one-way systems, and separation distances help reduce collision risk when multiple platforms are operating in the same area.

Spotters and Communication Protocols

Clear communication—via spotters, radios, or signals—is critical when platforms are moving near one another, particularly during night shifts.

Reduced-Speed and Stop Zones

Designated slow-speed zones and mandatory stop points help prevent uncontrolled or unexpected contact between machines.

Lighting and Visibility Controls

Adequate task lighting and reflective markings on platforms improve visibility during low-light operations.

Operator Training for Multi-Platform Environments

Operators should be trained specifically for working around other mobile access equipment, not just individual platform operation.