Guilderland

A 23-year-old tree worker was killed Wednesday — his first day on the job — when he became entangled in a tree grinding machine.

Countryside Tree Care, a Guilderland company, was removing large trees in front of 215 Placid Drive when the accident occurred around 1:15 p.m.

"I can't get it out of my head," said David Bowers, an employee of Capital Crane, which subcontracted for the project, as he stood by the scene later Wednesday afternoon before he drove the crane away from the quiet suburban road.

Bowers said Wednesday was the worker's first day on the job.

Countryside Tree's owner, Tony Watson, was not at his address later Wednesday and did not respond to additional requests for comment.

The victim had a Schenectady address but police have not identified him.

Guilderland police are investigating and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified of the incident.

The worker was pronounced dead at the scene, Guilderland police said.

The Guilderland Central School District emailed parents on Wednesday saying police instructed school buses to drop students off at the end of Placid Drive because of a medical emergency.

Placid Drive is near Carman Road in Guilderland.

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