1 dead after dump truck load crushes another truck’s cab at Yolo County landfill

A man was killed Wednesday at Yolo County Central Landfill after a dump truck inadvertently dropped its load onto another truck and the driver inside in what county officials are calling an industrial accident.

Yolo County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the fatal incident with assistance from Cal-OSHA, said Yolo County officials.

The 7:15 a.m. incident involved two Northern Recycling dump trucks unloading at the landfill’s compost facility on County Road 28H, 4 miles northeast of Davis, said authorities. Woodland-based disposal and composting firm Northern Recycling contracts with Yolo County, said county officials. The county leases land to operate at the landfill site.

Yolo County officials in a news release Wednesday afternoon said the two dump trucks were unloading at the facility when one of the trucks had an undisclosed accident causing its load to tip over onto the adjacent truck’s cab and its driver.

Davis Fire Department crews tried to free the driver from the wrecked cab, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Yolo County coroner’s officials went to the scene and will release the driver’s identity after notifying next of kin. Yolo County officials offered condolences in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

“On behalf of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, our hearts go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of the individual who tragically lost their life this morning,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Mary Vixie Sandy. “We are deeply grateful to the first responders and staff who acted swiftly and professionally under very difficult circumstances. We are committed to supporting all employees and partner agencies affected by this devastating incident.”

County officials said support services are being provided for employees. Davis police trauma and grief workers, as well as Yolo County Human Resources representatives, are working with workers affected by the incident.

This story was originally published December 10, 2025 at 9:13 AM.