Worker at Alliant Energy demolition dies in accident
Elliot Hughes
Friday, June 24, 2016
TOWN OF BELOIT—A 57-year-old man was killed Friday after an accident during the demolition of the old Alliant Energy power plant in the town of Beloit, police said.
At 11:21 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to 935 Townline Road and found the man lying on the bottom floor of a partially demolished building with “severe trauma to his abdomen,” according to a news release from the Town of Beloit Fire Department.
The man was taken to Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville, where he later died, said Sgt. Laura Palmer of the Town of Beloit Police Department.
Deputy Fire Chief Glen Hennig said the man was part of a demolition crew. He said the man was "working on a beam," when something came loose. Hennig said he believes another beam struck the man.
Authorities have not released the man's name.
Alliant Energy issued a statement that read in part:
"Everyone at Alliant Energy is feeling a deep sense of loss today. We are keeping the individual's family, loved ones and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
We take safety seriously at Alliant Energy, and the safety of our customers, employees and contractors is our first priority. Our company will support the contractor firm, local emergency authorities and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in their full investigation of the accident. The deconstruction site and structure have been stabilized and made safe since the accident."
The Rock River Generating System, a coal- and gas-fired plant idled since 2010, and its nearby outbuildings have been in process of being demolished since May. The project is expected to finish by the end of the year.