BLUFFTON, Ind. (AP) — Police say an Ohio man has died in an accident at a northeastern Indiana ethanol plant.
Police say the man died Wednesday morning after becoming trapped in a piece of equipment at the Valero Renewable Fuels plant in Bluffton, about 25 miles south of Fort Wayne. He was apparently performing maintenance work on a large auger when he got stuck.
The Wells County coroner identified the man as 42-year-old Ryan West of Bainbridge, Ohio.
Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said West worked for an outside contractor, Diversified Industrial Services, and not directly employed by Valero.
Riojas also issued the following statement on the matter on behalf of Valero to NBC Fort Wayne:
“We are saddened by the loss of an employee with Diversified Industrial Services who was working at Valero’s Bluffton, Indiana plant this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, co-workers and friends. The health and safety of all workers in our facilities is our priority. As for details about the incident, a complete investigation will be conducted. Also, we are cooperating with local and state agencies on investigations they have underway already.”
Bluffton Police Chief Kyle Randall said he has called in the Indiana State Police to investigate the accident.
