Delaware State Police are investigating the death of a man in an industrial accident at a Sussex County poultry processing plant.
On Friday at about 8:54 p.m. troopers were dispatched to the Allen Harim plant at 18752 Harbeson road for an industrial accident involving an employee with head trauma.
A preliminary investigation has determined, a 59-year-old employee was injured as he and another employee attempted to change the battery on a pallet jack.
The replacement battery was secured in an electric hoist. While the battery was being lowered via the electric lever, the corner of the new battery was hung up on the corner of another battery that was sitting next to the jack.
The employee was leaning forward in attempt to manually guide the new battery to the jack away from the obstruction.
After the new battery cleared the obstruction it was lowered. However, the horizontal block portion part of the hoist struck the employee. The employee was transported to Beebe Medical Center, where he died.
Detectives are continuing their investigation. There are no signs of foul play.
The body was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. The name of the victim will not be released under State Police procedures.
