A 53-year-old worker has been killed in Pennsylvania after becoming pinned between pieces of heavy-duty machinery.
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The fatal incident occurred at the Cleveland-Cliffs Coke Plant in Monessen on Sunday, September 27.
The worker has since been identified as Jeffrey Smith, a resident of Newell, who was working at the plant when the incident unfolded.
Worker Killed After Becoming Pinned Between Machinery
Reports state that the coroner was called to the plant on Donner Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Monessen Police Chief David Yuhasz said emergency crews performed "life-saving measures" on Smith at the scene.
Despite their efforts, Smith succumbed to his injuries.
Yuhasz described the incident and Smith's death as "a blow to the community."
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation into the fatal incident, with Monessen police and the United Steelworkers also assisting.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. OSHA has yet to publicly comment on the circumstances surrounding Smith's death.
Cleveland-Cliffs Responds as Investigation Begins
Following the incident, Cleveland-Cliffs released a statement addressing the death of its employee.
"Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. confirms that a fatal accident occurred at its Monessen site on Sunday," the statement reads.
"We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with our employee's family, friends, and coworkers."
The company went on to confirm that an investigation is underway, before adding that there "are no disruptions to the Monessen operation."
The United Steelworkers also responded to Smith's death. They confirmed that its health and safety team was assisting with the investigation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen Brother's family in the wake of this tragedy," Bernie Hall, Director of USW District 10, said in a statement of his own.
"Our union's health and safety team is already on the ground to assist in the investigation and provide support for family and coworkers."
Hall said the organization will continue working alongside "management and authorities" as investigators attempt to establish exactly what happened.
He added that the union is seeking to determine what "caused and contributed to this fatality."
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities yet to release further details about how Smith became trapped between the machinery.
