Man Dies in Excelsior Springs Manufaturing Accident

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — One man was killed and another injured in an industrial accident at a plastic manufacturing facility in Excelsior Springs on Friday morning.

According to authorities, a three-ton crane fell on the men from a 15-foot factory ceiling at the Rexam plant in the 1700 block of Johnson Industrial Drive shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning. The two men were working on an injection molding machine underneath the crane at the time of the accident.

“We determined there had been a crane suspended crane that fell from the ceiling and struck at least two individuals,” said Lt. Clint Reno with the Excelsior Springs Police Department.

Robert Walker, 55, and a 30-year veteran of the plant, was killed in the accident.

“I think it was evident he was severely struck, and there was no chance of life saving efforts,” said Lt. Reno.

A second victim, identified as a 51-year-old man, was taken to an area hospital with what were described as non-life threatening injuries.

Employees of the plant told FOX 4 off-camera that they believe that the accident was caused by a mechanical malfunction – but say that the equipment was recently inspected.

The company says that they have brought in grief counselors to help their workers cope with the tragedy.

Police say that they have secured the accident scene, and OSHA will take over the accident investigation.

“I hate to speculate whether it was something the employees caused or a freak accident,” said Lt. Reno. “We don’t know at this point.”