Recently, a shipyard worker was killed in a barge accident after he was crushed between the barge and piece of equipment he was working on at a large inland shipyard. The 54-year-old-man was working as an electrician at the Jeffboat shipyard, and he had been employed at the yard for the past 11 years.

Apparently, the accident occurred after a hydraulic lift the man was working on moved, pinning him against the side of the barge. Investigators from the local police department were notified of the accident shortly after it happened. The police quickly determined that there had been no criminal activity involved and handed the case over to the county coroner. The worker was determined to be dead at the accident scene.

According to a report made by the county coroner, the worker died of asphyxia and blunt-force injuries. The coroner also indicated that it would be some time before it could be determined exactly what happened during the course of events that claimed the man's life.

The Jeffboat shipyard is one of the largest inland shipbuilding and ship repair facilities in the country and is located on the Ohio River. The shipyard is owned by American Commercial Lines.

A spokesperson for American Commercial Lines expressed sadness at the loss of their employee. This accident is the third fatal accident to occur at the shipyard in the past 16 months.

American Commercial Lines employs around 2,400 workers. The Ohio River facility where the accident happened employs just over 800 workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will also be investigating the accident and its causes.

Source: NewsAndTribune.com, "Pekin man crushed to death in Jeffboat accident," Matt Thacker, Aug. 19, 2011