Egg Harbor Township Forklift Driver Killed

A forklift operator was killed when the machine overturned and landed on him as he worked behind a department store in northern New Jersey.

Rockaway police tell The Star-Ledger that 52-year-old Wayne Mong of Egg Harbor Township died instantly when the forklift overturned around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Investigators say the forks were raised on the machine, making it "top heavy" while Mong attempted to turn it. They also say the angle of the turn and the forklift's speed contributed to the accident.

Mong, who worked for a painting contractor, was taking part in renovations at the store. His death has been ruled an accident by Rockaway police, and will now be reviewed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)