Feds investigating Bellevue plant death

BELLEVUE — Much remains unknown about a fatal incident at a Bellevue manufacturing plant on Thursday. Bellevue fire Chief Joe Wilhelm said his department responded to Precision Automotive Plastics in the 100 block of Hirt Drive just before 7:30 a.m. for a crane accident. When firefighters arrived, they found an employee pinned under a piece of molding equipment, according to a Bellevue fire media release. The person was pronounced dead at the scene. An initial incident report from Bellevue police appears to identify a 31-year-old Willard man as a victim. The Register was unable to immediately confirm if that man is the employee who died. "Due to safety concerns and tactical challenges, the employee was extricated around 3 p.m.," the release states, which did not provide further details. A dispatch log included in the Bellevue police report indicated that the Lucas County coroner was called to transport the deceased person. Scott Allen, regional director of media relations for the U.S. Department of Labor confirmed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation, with ABC Technologies WMG USA, Inc., which does business as Precision Automotive Plastics. Allen said there would be no further information until the administration completes its investigation. He noted that, by law, the federal agency has six months to complete the investigation. A call to Precision's production manager was not returned as of Friday afternoon. Editor's note: Elizabeth Keefe contributed reporting.