Family Files Lawsuit Against Trucking Company After Father's Tragic Death from Toxic Fumes Exposure

Tragedy Strikes: Family Sues Trucking Company for Workplace Safety Violations

In a devastating turn of events, the family of Viktor Voloshin, a 56-year-old truck driver and devoted father of twelve, has filed a lawsuit against Two Rivers Terminal, a trucking company based in Pasco, Washington. This legal action follows the tragic circumstances surrounding Voloshin's untimely death on June 7, 2024, which his family asserts was a preventable incident caused by the company’s negligence and disregard for safety protocols.

Viktor was transporting emulsified sulfur—a highly toxic substance—when he was instructed by his employer to clean the interior of a truck tanker that had been filled with the dangerous fumes. Company representatives provided him with a ladder to access the tanker, a task that ultimately sealed his fate. As documented in court filings, Voloshin succumbed to the toxic fumes, and his lifeless body was discovered approximately one hour later, after a fellow employee grew concerned and reported him missing.

The delay in emergency response is particularly troubling. First responders reportedly took nearly three hours to arrive with the necessary safety equipment to safely recover Voloshin's body, while his family anxiously awaited outside, powerless to assist.

Simeon Osborn, a lawyer representing the Voloshin family, highlighted the troubling safety history of Two Rivers Terminal, noting that the company has faced multiple fines and safety violations in the past. In 2023, the company was penalized by the state Department of Labor and Industries for a similar incident that involved another worker losing consciousness due to toxic gas exposure—a case that raised serious alarms about the company's overall safety practices.

“This pattern of negligence is deeply concerning,” said Osborn. “We approached the legal system hoping to hold Two Rivers accountable for the clear lapses in their safety measures that contributed to Viktor's death. We can only seek a financial penalty that compels them to reevaluate their safety protocols.