Sanitation Worker Killed by Trash Truck in Newark

A sanitation worker has been struck and killed by a garbage truck that he was trying to climb onto in Newark.

Essex County prosecutors say 38-year-old Teeshon Small of East Orange was struck around 5:40 a.m. Monday in the areas of Osborne Terrace and Nye Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

It wasn't immediately clear how or why the accident occurred.

Authorities say Small -- who worked for a private waste collection company called Ace Environmental -- was trying to climb onto the back of the truck when he was hit by it.

The truck was driven by 30-year-old Jamal Walker of Newark, who was not injured.

No charges have been filed in the case, and the investigation is ongoing.

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