DAVENPORT -- A construction worker was killed Tuesday morning when an embankment collapsed under the bulldozer he was operating and the bulldozer flipped onto its side, according to Davenport police.

Thomas H. McLachlan, 56, of Davenport, an employee of Hawkeye Paving Corp., was working in a field between Lowe's and the Great Escape in the 3900 block of Elmore Avenue when the accident occurred.

A Davenport Police Department news release said officers were called at 8:41 a.m. to the 3900 block of Elmore Avenue for a man trapped under a bulldozer on a construction site.

Following a preliminary investigation at the scene, it was determined that Mr. McLachlan was grading dirt on a steep embankment with the bulldozer when the embankment gave way, causing the bulldozer to roll onto its side.

Mr. McLachlan sustained fatal injuries after being trapped under the machine.

Hawkeye Paving Corp. posted a statement on its website saying Mr. McLachlan "has been our lead operator since 1987. The entire company is saddened by the loss of a very valuable employee and a wonderful person who will be missed terribly by all of us.''

Three fire trucks, six Davenport police cars and an ambulance were on the scene. Emergency personnel removed the body about 9:30 a.m.

A spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Tuesday said the agency had been notified of the fatality and an inspector had been assigned.

"We don't know the cause or any details yet and can't give information until the case file is closed," the spokesperson said.

The Davenport police news release said the accident is considered a motor vehicle crash and is under investigation by the department's crash investigation unit.