A Libby City worker has lost his left hand in an on-the-job accident, was hospitalized and is now recovering from the trauma at home.

The city worker, who has not been named, is believed to be with the Street Department, although neither City Administrator Jim Hammons nor Mayor Doug Roll would confirm that fact. The accident happened Thursday, Aug. 16.

“This employee suffered a serious injury,” Hammons began. “Yes, it was the left hand. It’s under investigation, and that’s all I can say.”

Roll, when contacted Friday, also confirmed the accident, saying he’d also prefer not to comment further.

“This will be a workman’s compensation issue,” Roll said. “It’s my understanding he’s out of the hospital and at home now,” Roll said, hinting, at least, of the gender of the injured employee. 

The Street Department does have a female employee.

Reportedly, the worker reached toward one of the brushes of a city street sweeper when it was severed.