Landscaper decapitated after being dragged head first through wood chipper while trimming trees

A tree trimmer has died in a horrific accident after being pulled headfirst into a wood chipper outside Ocean Ridge Town Hall in Florida.

The fatal incident occurred whilst the worker was carrying out tree trimming duties, with colleagues witnessing the tragedy.

Police arrived at the scene at approximately 9.30am, where they confirmed one person had died from injuries sustained in the accident.

The worker, who has not been identified, had only been on the job for 30 minutes before the tragic incident occurred.

Colleagues watched in horror as the man was pulled headfirst into the machine up to his shoulders.

Town Manager Lynne Ladner confirmed during a news conference that the landscaper was decapitated after attempting to put wood into the chipper.

Ladner explained that whilst the wood chipper had an emergency switch, the crew were unable to react quickly enough to prevent the tragedy.

“Other members of the crew saw it happening,” she said, noting that the victim “was working by themselves doing tree trimming and feeding a wood chipper” at the time.

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“It is a horrible loss of life,” the Town Manager added.

Cary Porter, owner of Boynton Beach Tree Service, highlighted the severe risks associated with tree trimming work.

Though not involved in the incident, Porter explained the dangers of wood chippers: “If someone happens to hang onto a branch thats being sucked into the chipper and they dont let go, it pulls them right into the chipper.”

“One mistake can take your life just like this, and it’s a shame,” he added.