Harbeson, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are investigating an industrial accident that claimed the life of a Bridgeville man.

On October 5, 2018, at approximately 8:54 p.m., troopers were dispatched to a CPR in progress at the Allen Harim Chicken Plant located at 18752 Harbeson road for an industrial accident involving an employee with serious head trauma. The preliminary investigation has determined, a 59-year-old employee was seriously injured as he and another employee attempted to change the battery on a pallet jack. The new replacement battery was secured in an electric hoist. While the battery was being lowered via the electric lever the corner of the new battery got hung up on the corner of another battery that was sitting stationary next to the jack. The employee was leaning forward in attempt to manually guide the new battery onto the jack away from the obstruction. After the new battery cleared the obstruction it continued to lower in a downward motion. The horizontal block portion part of the hoist struck the employee. The employee was transported by EMS to the Beebe Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

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 as is DSP practice when investigating these types of industrial incidents.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sgt. Richard Bratz,

Released: 100618 0943

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