MAY 5, 2015
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
A worker at an FCA US — formerly Chrysler — plant in Detroit
was killed in an industrial accident this morning, the company and Detroit
Police and Fire officials have confirmed.
Detroit Police said a 53-year-old worker was found at about
7:10 a.m. Tuesday.
The UAW identified the man as Donald Megge of Sterling
Heights, a millwright and wastewater operator at the Jefferson North Assembly
Plant that makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs.
The accident occurred shortly after the morning shift
started. Megge was performing regular preventive maintenance after starting his
shift at 5:30 a.m. and was discovered at about 6:30 a.m., Norwood Jewell, vice
president of the UAW's Chrysler department, said in a statement.
The company said the man was working in the plant's on-site wastewater
treatment facility, performing maintenance on a wastewater filter press.
"Until we complete our investigation, it would be
inappropriate to speculate on how this accident occurred," FCA spokeswoman
Jodi Tinson said in a statement.
Police initially said the man was crushed and a Detroit Fire
official said he died as a result of his injuries.
He was "caught in a machine press suspended a little
bit above the ground," said Detroit Fire Capt. Gerod Funderburg.
Firefighters responded to the scene, but Megge was already
dead when they arrived, Funderburg said.
FCA has counselors at the plant to assist employees as
needed, Tinson said.
"FCA US is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that
took the life of an 18-year employee at Jefferson North this morning and our
heartfelt condolences go out to his family," the company said in a
statement. "The safety of our employees is our first priority, and we will
continue to work in cooperation with the authorities, including MIOSHA, to
investigate the circumstances surrounding this terrible tragedy."
The union also expressed its sadness.
"Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family,
friends and all those who worked with Mr. Megge," said Jewell.
The incident remains under investigation by state and
federal health and safety officials as well as union and company health and
safety professionals.
All three Detroit automakers and the UAW emphasize safety
protocol for workers and visitors.