Police are investigating the death of 72-year-old Durham man at a metal recycling company in North Haven.
Police responded to Sims Metal Management, at 234 Universal Drive, in North Haven on Wednesday for a report of an unresponsive person and found Francis Almeida, 72, of Durham, with crushing injuries to his chest and abdomen, police said.
Based on the preliminary investigation, police determined that Almeida was crushed by own car carrier truck as he was off-loading an automobile for scrap, police said.
Almeida was pronounced dead a short time later and an autopsy will be performed.
"It's with great sadness that we confirm that a longtime customer and friend of our North Haven CT metals recycling facility was fatally struck while unloading a scrap auto from his own flatbed car carrier," said Daniel Strechay, spokesman for Sims Metal Management, said.
According to Strechay, employees administered first aid to Almeida and called emergency services.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to our customer's family, friends and coworkers," Strechay said.
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The company spends a good deal of time on safety measures for its employees and visitors, according to Strechay.
Sims Metal Management is working with OSHA and state and local law enforcement as the agencies investigate the accident.
