Worker, 71, dies after falling into 22,700 litre vat of mineral oil at chemical plant in New Jersey
A 71-year-old man has been found dead in a massive vat of mineral oil at a chemical facility in New Jersey.
According to a statement from Linden Police Department, officials were called to the Bayway Chemical Plant in Linden around 2pm local time following reports that a worker had accidentally fallen into a bulk liquid container while he was working.
“Detectives believe that the man was on top of the container when he accidentally fell inside while working,” the police statement said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The man, who has not yet been identified, is believed to have been a private sub-contractor from the Middlesex County town of Iselin.
“The man was retrieved from the container by personnel from the Bayway and Linden Fire Departments and was pronounced deceased on scene,” said police.
“At the time of the incident, the 6000-gallon container was being filled with mineral oil, a highly refined petroleum-derived liquid.”
The Bayway Chemical Plant is a facility that produces lubricants and additives and is run by chemical company, Infineum.
Infineum released a statement addressing the incident and said, “at the time of the incident, the worker was loading a bulk liquid container”, and that “the cause of the incident is under investigation.”
“We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost a family member or friend,” they said.
“We will cooperate with all agencies in their investigations.”
A company spokesperson said they would be requesting assistance from the Linden police and fire departments in their investigation.
Police have confirmed that all parties involved are cooperating with the investigation, and added that a separate, independent Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation is underway.
In their statement, Infineum made it clear that safety is a priority at their company.
“At Infineum, one of our goals is to maintain a safe workplace, to ensure that workplace hazards are eliminated or mitigated, and to ensure that each individual working at our site is trained to perform his or her daily duties safely,” they said,
“Sadly, there are times when something happens, and unfortunately, that is the case today.”
