Lytle, Texas, October 11, 2025
News Summary
A tragic accident at a construction site for a new data center near Lytle, Texas, has resulted in the death of 28-year-old subcontractor Maurice McGowan. The incident occurred when he was struck by an articulating truck, leading to his immediate death at the scene. The construction work has since been suspended as an investigation takes place, led by local authorities and OSHA, to examine safety protocols and prevent future occurrences. Community leaders are urged to prioritize worker safety in response to this tragedy.
San Antonio, Texas
A tragic incident at a construction site for a new 300-megawatt data center near Lytle, Texas, has resulted in the death of 28-year-old subcontractor Maurice McGowan. The incident occurred on October 13, when McGowan was struck by an articulating truck while working on the project. Emergency responders arrived promptly but pronounced McGowan dead at the scene.
The construction site is part of Rowan Digital Infrastructure’s expansive Cinco data center campus. The project officially broke ground on August 7 and is planned to deliver a significant capacity of data services, underpinned by a minimum investment of $900 million. As of now, there is no announced completion date for the project.
Turner Construction is serving as the general contractor for the data center project. Following McGowan’s death, all construction activities at the site have been suspended. Turner Construction has stated that their staff and onsite medics responded immediately to the emergency. They are now cooperating fully with an investigation led by local authorities and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The company has expressed its commitment to learning how this tragic event occurred in order to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Rowan’s Chief Data Center Officer, Dan McNary, emphasized the company’s dedication to safety and announced that support is being provided to those affected by this tragedy. Safety protocols and practices are expected to be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Incident Details
The accident involved an articulating truck, a specialized vehicle often used in construction for lifting and transporting heavy materials. However, further details surrounding the incident and the exact circumstances of McGowan’s death have not been disclosed, as authorities are still investigating the matter.
Construction Project Overview
The Cinco data center campus is a major development aimed at enhancing data storage and processing capabilities in the region. With an investment of $900 million, the center is positioned to meet rising demands for data services. The fact that such a substantial investment is being made indicates the growing importance of data centers in the digital economy, highlighting their role in providing cloud services and data management.
Safety with Construction Operations
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding workplace safety in construction. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on safety measures and protocols that were in place at the time of the accident. This is particularly critical as incidents such as these not only affect workers and families but also impact public perception of safety standards in construction industries.
Community Response
In the wake of this incident, community and industry leaders have been urged to prioritize safety and implement stringent measures to prevent similar occurrences. The emotional impact on McGowan’s colleagues and the local community is expected to be significant, with support being offered to help them cope with this tragedy.
Conclusion
The death of Maurice McGowan serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with construction work. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on safety practices and ensuring that the necessary steps are put in place to protect workers in the future.
FAQ
What was the cause of the incident?
The incident involved Maurice McGowan being struck by an articulating truck while working at a construction site.
Who was affected by this incident?
Maurice McGowan, a 28-year-old subcontractor, was the victim of the incident, resulting in his death. The incident also affects his colleagues and the broader community.
What actions are being taken following the incident?
All construction work has been suspended at the site. Turner Construction is cooperating with local authorities and OSHA to investigate the incident.
What is the status of the construction project?
The project, which aims to deliver 300 MW of data center capacity, has a minimum investment of $900 million. There is currently no announced completion date.
How is safety being addressed in the aftermath?
The investigations focus on reviewing safety protocols in place at the time of the accident, with a commitment from the construction company to enhance safety measures.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Maurice McGowan, 28 |
| Location | Lytle, Texas |
| Date of Incident | October 13 |
| Project Type | 300 MW Data Center |
| Investment Amount | $900 million |
| Contractor | Turner Construction |
| Status of Investigation | Ongoing with OSHA involvement |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Residents Arrested for Target Theft Scheme
Surge of Bodies Found in Houston Bayous Raises Concerns
DOT Removes Race and Sex Criteria in DBE Certification
What Are the Key Benefits of Building Eco-Friendly Homes in Houston?
Construction Halted After Fatal Incident at Medina County Data Center
World War II Explosive Device Found at Port of Long Beach
Tragic Fall Claims Life of Construction Worker in Iowa
Tragic Fall Claims Life of Construction Worker in Iowa
Construction Worker Dies in Fall at Van Meter School Site
Pittsburgh Addresses Safety Concern at Brashear High School
Additional Resources
- Engineering News-Record: Worker is Identified in Fatal Turner Construction Data Center Incident
- Wikipedia: Occupational Safety and Health
- Engineering News-Record: Turner Construction Co. Involved in Fatal Data Center Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
