A worker at Pollard Lumber Company was killed Monday after entering an industrial conveyor wood chipper at the Appling business, authorities said.
Ralph Pickens, 63, was identified as the employee who died at the business at 5863 Washington Road.
According to initial reports, the incident occurred during routine operations at the lumber company. Pickens tragically found himself in a fatal situation as he entered the industrial conveyor wood chipper.
Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, with Columbia County’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arriving promptly to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sheriff’s investigators were also dispatched to the scene, with the Coroner en route to assess the situation.
The details surrounding the event remain scarce at this time. However, CID has assured that they are actively investigating the matter.
