A Spartan Steel employee died of injuries he suffered Monday while working at the steel processing plant in Frenchtown Township.

Company officials confirmed that the employee, believed to be in his 30s, died after his chest was crushed by machinery shortly after 7 Monday morning. He was taken to Oakwood Southshore Hospital, Trenton, conscious but in critical condition and later died.

Plant and state officials are investigating exactly what happened and what caused the accident. Company officials said they could provide no details of the victim’s age, identity or place of residence this morning.

The plant, at 3300 Wolverine, east of I-75, was shut down Monday after the accident and stress debriefing counselors were sent to the facility to counsel workers, officials said.

Ms Cathy Lyttle a spokeswoman with Worthington Industries, which co owns Spartan said “It was a very difficult day yesterday. It’s a tough situation.”

The mill produces light gauge hot dipped galvanized steel, primarily for automotive applications. In the past it has been recognized by the state for its safety programs.

(Sourced from http://www.monroenews.com)