On 13 July 1978, Bugorski was checking a malfunctioning piece of equipment when the safety mechanisms failed. Bugorski was leaning over the equipment when he stuck his head in the path of the 76 GeV proton beam.
On July 13, 1978, Bugorski examined an improperly functioning piece of equipment when safeguards failed. As he leaned over the apparatus, he positioned his head within the range of the 76 GeV proton beam.