ILLINOIS-(MaraviPost)-A devastating accident at Caterpillar’s Mapleton, Illinois, foundry has claimed the life of 39-year-old Steven Dierkes, who tragically fell into a vat of molten iron on his ninth day of employment.

The incident occurred as Dierkes was attempting to collect a sample from the molten metal, but lost his balance and plunged into the 11-foot-deep crucible.

The molten iron, heated to over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, instantly incinerated him, leaving behind a grieving family and sparking an investigation into the workplace safety failures that led to his death.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the accident and found that the foundry lacked essential safety measures, including guardrails or fall protection systems around the molten iron vats.

OSHA proposed a fine of $145,027 against Caterpillar for these violations, raising questions about whether the penalty is sufficient given the severity of the incident.

Dierkes’ family, including his life partner, Jessica Sutter, and their three daughters, are left to pick up the pieces after his tragic loss.

His obituary described him as a “hard-working teddy bear of a man with calloused hands and a tender heart,” making his untimely death all the more heartbreaking.

The incident highlights the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and ensuring that employers are held accountable for protecting their employees.

As the family seeks justice and answers, the community rallies around them, mourning the loss of a loved one and a valued member of society.