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Factory Worker Killed When 5-Ton Die Falls On Him

SHELBY TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Police say a worker at a metro Detroit auto parts factory was killed when a 10,000-pound industrial die fell on him.

The 42-year-old man was killed around 1 p.m. Thursday at Mollertech, near 23 Mile and Schoenherr roads in Shelby Township.

The employee was working on an overhead crane when a five-ton die fell on him, trapping him underneath. The man, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say they're trying to determine if there was a failure in the process somewhere that led to the accident. Police say there were no signs of foul play.

Company official Ingo Pridoehl said the plant's 140 workers were sent home for the day and it's uncertain when the plant will reopen.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.

The plant, which is owned by Germany-based MollerGroup GmbH, makes plastic parts for auto interiors.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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