A 19-year-old teenager has died at an industrial factory manufacturing frozen burritos. Authorities do not suspect foul play.
According to a report by People, the incident occurred on Sunday, June 19. A spokesperson for the City of Vernon explained the teen was sucked into a meat grinder at Tina’s Burritos Food Processing Plant. He was reportedly a “sanitation employee” at the factory while working the after-hours shift.
Per 6ABC, Sgt. Daniel Onopa of the Vernon Police Department said the employee was cleaning an industrial food processor at around 9:30 PM. The machine “unexpectedly” turned on, pulling the worker inside. Reports suggest the teen shouted for help from his coworkers. They tried to turn the machine off, but were unable to do so. According to The Independent, local outlets reveal that other workers were spotted outside the industrial plant in a break area in an emotional state.
The Police Department Called The Factory Incident A “Terrible Accident”
Onopa branded the incident a “terrible accident” and told reporters that there was no indication of foul play. He also explained that the man had died before emergency services arrived. A representative for the City said, “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and coworkers affected by this tragedy.”
The District Attorney’s office and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health are both investigating what happened.
Earlier this month, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office reported an explosion at an industrial fireworks facility. The factory is reportedly operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics and blast was so severe that it engulfed the facility in a massive fireball. The Sheriff’s office posted multiple updates to social media, urging people to stay away from the area. “We strongly urge everyone to continue avoiding the area for the next several days so that fire crews, law enforcement, and emergency personnel can do their jobs safely and effectively,” they said.
Seven people went missing after the explosion. The Guardian reports that families have confirmed the identities of five bodies. Authorities have recovered the remains of two others, but they remain unidentified. Devastating Pyrotechnics released a statement saying, “Our focus will remain on those directly affected by this tragedy. And we will cooperate fully with proper authorities in their investigation.”