LINDEN, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A New Jersey man was killed Monday when he fell into a 6,000-gallon vat of mineral oil at a chemical plant, police and the company that operates the facility said Wednesday.
The 71-year-old victim, who was from Iselin, was working as a private sub-contractor at the Bayway Chemical Plant in Linden around 1:30 p.m. when he accidentally fell inside a bulk liquid container, according to authorities.
Investigators believe the man was on top of the massive container when he fell inside. At the time, the vat was being filled with mineral oil, a highly refined petroleum-derived liquid, police said.
The Bayway and Linden fire departments responded to the scene at Park and Brunswick avenues and pulled the man out of the container. He hasn't yet been publicly identified.
Police are investigating the incident, as is New Jersey’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Infineum, the operator of the plant, said it is used as a “lubricant additive production facility.”
In response to the incident, Infineum said in a statement: “At Infineum, one of our goals is to maintain a safe workplace, to ensure that workplace hazards are eliminated or mitigated, and to ensure that each individual working at our site is trained to perform his or her daily duties safely. Sadly, there are times when something happens, and unfortunately, that is the case today. Our hearts are heavy with the news that we must deliver to you at this time about the loss of life at our facility.”
“We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost a family member or friend,” the company wrote.
The company said it is cooperating with all investigating agencies and that it will also conduct its own investigation.