Feds to Investigate New York Dumbwaiter Death

Federal workplace safety investigators are looking into the death of a Schenectady, N.Y., restaurant co-owner who died after his head became wedged in the kitchen dumbwaiter.

Schenectady Fire Chief Michael Della Rocco says it appears Israel Silva was trying to repair the dumbwaiter at Bangkok Bistro early Saturday when it suddenly became activated. The small elevator is used to carry food from the basement kitchen to the first-floor dining room.

Della Rocco says Silva’s head was trapped. He was pronounced dead at the scene of head trauma.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation began Monday.