Murfreesboro, TN

A 49-year-old truck driver who was picking up a load of solid steel coils weighing more than 5,000 pounds each was killed at a steel plant. According to police, a crane operator was trying to navigate the load onto the truck when one of the steel coils fell on the truck driver and crushed him. “All indications show that it was an accident, and no foul play was involved,” said a police spokesperson. According to the CEO and president of the steel company, several employees were are first responders and rushed to aid the victim when the incident occurred.

The crane operator has been placed on paid leave while he deals with the trauma of the incident, news reports said. Employees of the facility who witnessed the incident were offered counseling through the company.

The local police is continuing to conduct a routine investigation, along with Tennessee OSHA representatives. The steel company CEO said the company will cooperate fully with that investigation.