Linthicum Heights, MD — February 19, 2025, Charles Thomas III was killed in a truck accident at about noon at a loading dock in the 900 block of Corporate Road.
Authorities said a 2019 International semi-truck was backing up to the loading dock when it hit a parked 2017 Nissan Rogue. The impact forced the Nissan to back over its owner, who had been standing behind the vehicle.
Taneytown resident Charles Edward Thomas III, 60, died at the scene of the accident at the United States Postal Service Incoming Mail Facility, according to authorities.
No other injuries were reported.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I hear about a crash like this one, where a semi-truck’s movement in a loading dock area results in the loss of life, my immediate question is whether proper safety protocols were in place, and if they were, whether they were followed. Loading docks are some of the most dangerous areas in any facility dealing with commercial trucks, yet too often, basic precautions are overlooked.
The most pressing issue in this incident is how a pedestrian was in a position to be pinned between two vehicles in the first place. Commercial truck drivers are trained to check their surroundings before backing up, especially in tight spaces like loading docks. Did the truck driver perform the necessary safety checks? Was a spotter present to help guide the truck, or was the driver backing up blindly? These are standard precautions that, if ignored, can turn routine maneuvers into fatal mistakes.
Another key factor is the facility’s layout and safety procedures. A well-run loading dock should have clear pedestrian walkways, designated areas where people can stand safely and strict policies preventing anyone from being in the truck’s blind spots. If those measures weren’t in place — or if they existed but weren’t enforced — that could point to a larger failure in workplace safety.
The positioning of the Nissan Rogue is also worth examining. Was it legally parked in a designated area, or was it left in a spot that created an unnecessary hazard? If the Nissan was improperly positioned, that doesn’t necessarily absolve the truck driver of responsibility, but it does add another layer to understanding how this crash occurred.
Finally, the trucking company’s policies and training should be scrutinized. Was the driver properly trained on backing procedures in high-risk areas? Did time pressures or work conditions contribute to a rushed or careless maneuver? In my experience, trucking companies that prioritize efficiency over safety often cut corners on training and enforcement, leading to preventable incidents like this one.
At the end of the day, a loading dock should not be a deadly place. The fact that a man lost his life in what should have been a controlled environment suggests that something went wrong, either in training, execution or facility management. Investigators need to examine every factor, from the truck driver’s actions to the safety policies in place at the facility, to ensure accountability and prevent similar accidents in the future.
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