Construction worker clipped by truck suffers minor injuries

A construction worker suffered minor injuries on U.S. 70 Thursday morning when he was clipped by a passing 18-wheeler semi truck, according to Portales police.

He was knocked to the ground about 6:45 a.m. while working on First Avenue between avenues J and K, according to Project Manager John Guldemann of Constructors Inc. The worker's injuries included deep bruising and scratches. He should be able to return to work next week, Guldeman said.

Guldemann said the worker was wearing his hard hat and reflective vest and was inside the work zone, blocked off by cones, at the time of the accident.

Coworkers witnessed the accident, but none were able to provide a license plate number or identify the driver, according to police.

Police say they feel the truck driver was not aware they had hit someone.

"The officer felt like (the driver) didn't even know he scraped by somebody," said Portales Police Chief Doug Jones. "Neither the truck nor the driver were identified."

Guldemann said the accident is a reminder for drivers to pay attention to road signs.

"Most of the citizens have been very respectful in slowing down," Guldemann said. "Everybody just needs to be mindful of workers. They have families too and they want to go home to their families."

The construction worker is an employee of Southwest Concrete of Artesia, a subcontractor on the project.