A workplace mishap over the weekend left a 19-year-old man dead after he fell into a meat grinder at a food processing facility in California.
According to the Vernon Police Department, as reported by Fox News Digital, a young worker, whose identity remains unrevealed, was part of the sanitation crew at Tina’s Burritos on the 2600 block of Vernon Avenue.
Officials confirmed that the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a call regarding a “fatal industrial accident” involving a male worker who was discovered in the meat grinder, referred to as an industrial-grade kettle.
Authorities reported that the tragic incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. and is being investigated as an “industrial mishap,” as the victim was cleaning the food processing machine when it unexpectedly powered on.
Full frame of factory working process where employee organizing work of an industrial meat grinder machine (Getty Images)
The company added that their “hearts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and worked alongside him.”
“This is a devastating loss for everyone at Tina’s. We are cooperating fully with local authorities and Cal/OSHA in the ongoing investigation, and our focus remains on honoring his life, supporting those who are grieving, and maintaining the highest safety standards in our facility,” the statement concluded.
Detectives with the bureau are also investigating the incident and said no foul play is suspected.
Officials from the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration are also assisting in the investigation.
Vernon is located approximately five miles south of downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
