A postal worker lost his life after he collapsed on Tuesday, June 20, while carrying out his duties amid scorching temperatures in Dallas, Texas.
Eugene Gates Jr., 66, collapsed in front of a home and the owner attempted CPR. His cause of death has not yet been determined.
Currently, Texas is grappling with record-breaking heat.
The USPS expressed deep sorrow for the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.
Emphasizing the well-being of their employees, the USPS disclosed the implementation of the Heat Illness Prevention Program, which involves mandatory heat-related and safety training for all staff members. Mail carriers endure diverse weather conditions throughout the year, including sweltering summer months with soaring temperatures nationwide, making employee safety a paramount concern.
As the heatwave continues, several states, including New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, find themselves under heat alerts. Unbearable heat indices, reaching up to a scorching 122 degrees in some areas, exacerbate the situation. Another casualty was reported in Louisiana’s Caddo Parish. A 62-year-old woman, discovered in an area without power for an extended period, succumbed to a heat-related death, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
On Tuesday, record-breaking temperatures were recorded in different parts of the county with Rio Grande Village, Texas claiming the title of the hottest spot in the nation, with temperatures soaring to a scalding 118 degrees.
While temperatures are expected to cool slightly, the extreme heat is predicted to make a comeback in the following week.
Amidst these weather woes, flood alerts have been issued in six states, ranging from Florida to Virginia, due to heavy rainfall predicted. Some areas could witness an additional 5 to 7 inches of rain, heightening the risk of further flooding.