After tripping and partially falling into a vat of molten iron, an Illinois man died immediately.
Steven Dierkes, 39, of Peoria, died last Thursday in a “occupational accident” while working alongside a crucible at the iron-melting factory Caterpillar Mapleton Foundry, according to Peoria County Sheriff’s Office Captain Chris Watkins.
Last week, around 10 a.m., Peoria County deputies were called to the facility after a man fell into a vat of molten iron at 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit and died instantly.
Coroner Jamie Harwood stated that no foul play is suspected in the incident, noting that the incident is being investigated by the sheriff’s office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to the Peoria Journal Star.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of an employee who was involved in a serious incident at our Mapleton, Illinois, facility on June 2,” said Lisa Miller, a spokeswoman for the foundry.
The employee’s horrific death has raised concerns among employees and locals about health and safety violations at the factory.
The terrible tragedy comes on the heels of the death of 50-year-old electrical contractor Scott Adams, who died after falling off a ladder in the foundry in 2021.
