Illinois Caterpillar worker killed in foundry accident

A Caterpillar worker was killed in an accident on the firm’s foundry in Mapleton, Illinois, final week, the corporate has confirmed.

“We’re deeply saddened by the dying of an worker who was concerned in a severe incident at our Mapleton, Illinois, facility on June 2,” Lisa Miller, a Caterpillar spokeswoman, stated in an electronic mail to the Peoria Journal Star. “Our ideas are with this worker’s household, mates and colleagues. The security of our workers, contractors and guests is our high precedence.”

The Journal Star reported that the deceased was Steven Dierkes, 39, who died after falling right into a crucible. 

Coroner Jamie Harwood informed the outlet Dierkes was killed immediately, and that no foul play is suspected within the tragic incident. Harwood stated that the native sheriff’s workplace and the Occupational Security and Well being Administration (OSHA) are each investigating.

In late December 2021, a 50-year-old man fell to his dying on the Caterpillar facility. He was working on-site for a neighborhood contractor, in response to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Workplace.

The foundry in Mapleton is likely one of the largest within the U.S. and “can soften as much as 1,000 tons of iron every day,” in response to Caterpillar’s web site. 

Caterpillar Inc. didn’t reply to FOX Enterprise’ request for remark.