A tragic accident occurred in Salyersville, Kentucky, on 20 July 2023, resulting in the death of a 63-year-old man, Malcom Barry III. The incident happened as Barry and three other workers were attempting to level a single-wide mobile home when the structure slipped off its supporting piers.
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According to reports from local news organisations, the accident took place at the Calvin Cain Trailer Court around 3 p.m. local time. While the group was positioning the mobile home, it slid off the blocks that were meant to provide support, causing Barry to become trapped beneath it. Despite the prompt response from emergency services, he was declared dead at the scene.
Authorities have indicated that the situation was inherently dangerous given the nature of the work. Chief Deputy Tim Clark of the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the significant risks associated with levelling mobile homes. He expressed concern about the need for workers to be situated underneath the structures as they set up support blocks, acknowledging that a displacement could lead to catastrophic consequences.
“The workers were using a machine to assist with the process,” Clark noted. “However, the mobile home slid onto the machine, which exacerbated the situation.” The Chief Deputy called it a “tragic accident” and voiced hope that Kentucky’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would conduct a thorough investigation and identify potential solutions to enhance the safety of mobile home installations in the future.
At present, OSHA is leading the investigation into the incident, aiming to determine the exact circumstances that led to Barry’s death. Their insights may also provide recommendations that could prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Malcom Barry III was well-regarded in his community, having earned a reputation as a dedicated individual. Born in Chicago, he served honourably in the United States Army before settling in Kentucky. Barry’s obituary, published by the Salyersville Funeral Home, described him as a proud veteran who is survived by his wife, Madgeline Cole Barry, along with a sister and three brothers. The obituary also mentioned the extensive network of family and friends who deeply mourn his loss.
The community of Salyersville is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event. Barry’s funeral is scheduled for the morning of 28 July, where military rites will be performed to honour his service.
In light of this incident, many are calling for stricter safety measures in the construction and installation of mobile homes to avoid such devastating accidents in the future. It is a sobering reminder of the potential dangers faced by workers in the construction industry and raises important questions about worker safety protocols.
As the investigation unfolds, both the family and broader community await answers and hope for changes that could safeguard others in similar situations.