A 58-year-old worker tragically lost his life in an industrial accident at the Cargill Salt Mine in Cleveland on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred around 6:10 p.m. at the mine, located at 2400 Ship Channel in Cleveland’s Flats, according to emergency services.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Grzegorz Sychla of Broadview Heights. Specific details about the accident have not been released, but the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Cargill, the company operating the salt mine, expressed sorrow over the loss in a statement:
“We are heartbroken that one of our teammates lost his life today. Following the tragic accident in Cleveland, our primary focus is supporting and caring for his family and colleagues.”
The mine, which was already scheduled to close for the Thanksgiving holiday from Thursday through Sunday, remains shuttered as MSHA continues its investigation.
Located deep beneath Lake Erie, the Cargill Salt Mine is a vast operation that extends from Edgewater Beach to Burke Lakefront Airport and three miles farther north. The mine produces over four million tons of salt annually for de-icing, food processing, water conditioning, and industrial uses, with distribution via rail, truck, and boat.
Further details about the circumstances of the accident are expected as the investigation progresses.