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A devastating incident occurred at the Caterpillar Mapleton Foundry in Illinois, resulting in the death of a foundry worker, Your Content has learned.
On June 2, Steven Dierkes, 39, lost his life when he accidentally fell into a crucible containing molten iron, which reached a scorching temperature of 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit.
The incident occurred while Dierkes was attempting to take a sample of iron for the met lab.
According to an anonymous veteran factory worker, Dierkes tripped and tragically fell into the crucible.
The intensity of the heat instantly claimed his life, although a portion of his body remained on the factory floor for the coroner to retrieve.
Authorities have ruled out foul play, and an investigation led by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Initial reports suggest that Dierkes had only been working at the foundry for five days and may not have received sufficient training to be in the melting area.
Regrettably, this is the second fatal incident at the foundry within the past six months. In December, another worker lost their life after falling off a ladder.
The occurrences highlight the need for heightened safety measures and proper training protocols to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future, according to The SUN.
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