Upper Burrell man, 74, dies in utility tractor accident
A 74-year-old Upper Burrell man died Saturday in an accident involving a farm tractor, Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson said.
Dennis A. Praniewicz was pronounced dead at the scene about 3:35 p.m., Carson said.
The incident happened shortly after 2 p.m. on Fawn Hill Lane, a Westmoreland County 911 dispatcher said.
According to Carson, Praniewicz was operating an International Harvester 354 utility tractor.
He was backing down a grassy hill carrying a bundle of steel rebar strapped to the front loader bucket when, for unknown reasons, the tractor rolled over and pinned him under the right rear wheel.
Praniewicz died from blunt force and compression injuries, Carson said.
Carson said the accident is being investigated by state police. No information was immediately available from police.
Walker Funeral Home in New Kensington will be handling arrangements for Praniewicz.
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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