A Sylvan Lake man died on Sunday after being pinned under his car.
The 57-year-old was working on his older model vehicle in his driveway when the wood blocks used to raise the rear of the car gave way around 4:30 p.m., Sgt. Duncan Babchuk with Sylvan Lake RCMP said on Wednesday.
Both back tires had been taken off and the full weight of the car landed on the man’s chest, cutting off oxygen. A neighbour witnessed the accident and called 911.
RCMP, EMS and the fire department responded.
Air bags had to be used to lift the vehicle off the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was traumatic asphyxia, Babchuk said.
Next of kin requested that the man’s name not be released.
Babchuk said he was single and didn’t have any children.
“It’s a tragic event,” Babchuk said.
“Obviously there were not enough safety devices used and it resulted in a man’s death.”