The International Paper manufacturing plant in Lynchburg was temporarily closed Friday after the death of a third-shift worker shortly after midnight.
Jerry Wayne Evans, 39, of Forest, died at Lynchburg General Hospital from injuries he received in an accident at the plant.
Lynchburg Fire Battalion Chief Greg Wormser said an industrial accident was reported at 12:15 a.m. Friday. Rescue workers arrived at the 3401 Mayflower Drive plant within a few minutes, he said.
“From what I understand, somebody was trapped between two forklifts (and) had to be extricated,” said Wormser, reading a medical report on the incident.
He said the report did not indicate how Evans became trapped. IP spokeswoman Amy Sawyer said that the company still is investigating the accident’s cause.
Evans was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The company contacted the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, which investigates workplace safety and health accidents, Sawyer said. “We are continuing to cooperate with that (department) as well as with local law enforcement as they investigate the accident,” she said.
A Lynchburg Police Department news release said that foul play was not suspected.
When other employees arrived for a morning shift, local plant leaders held a meeting to tell them of Evans’ death, Sawyer said.
“We also had a grief counselor there to meet with employees,” she said. “Some employees chose to take advantage of that. Others chose to go home after the initial meeting.”
“Folks at the plant are deeply saddened by the loss of their co-worker and friend,” Sawyer said. “Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the employee’s family at this very sad time.”
Sawyer said plant officials plan to restart production Sunday night.
The Mayflower Drive plant assembles boxes and has about 150 employees.
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