Elevator accident at ballpark

A freak accident involving a pair of Aramark employees working at Citizens Bank Park over the weekend sent both to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and led to increased security at the stadium.

Police and fire officials said that about 9 a.m. Saturday, a 23-year-old male employee, operating a golf cart on the third floor, drove the cart into a freight-elevator shaft and plunged 30 feet, landing atop the elevator, which was stopped at the first floor.

The impact of the cart sent the elevator down several more feet and also caused the elevator to cave in, injuring a 27-year-old employee who was doing maintenance work inside.

The 23-year-old was listed yesterday in critical condition with severe head and chest injuries; his co-worker was listed in stable condition with hand injuries.

"We are deeply saddened by the injuries suffered by the employees," said Aramark spokeswoman Kathleen Keenan.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families at this difficult time.

"We will continue to work with the appropriate officials to investigate this situation," she sad.

Executive Fire Chief Daniel Williams said that the state Department of Labor and Industry would investigate the accident and that additional security guards have been stationed at elevators in the stadium. *

- Damon C. Williams and Steve King