Worker crushed by paper at Carol Stream plant

A man was killed early Saturday when he was crushed by more than 100 pounds of paper at a Carol Stream printing facility.

Emergency crews were called about 5 a.m. Saturday to Berlin Industries, 175 Mercedes Drive, to assist a worker who had been crushed by a "significant load of paper," Carol Stream Fire Department spokesman Donald Lay said.

Lay said the man's head and shoulders were trapped in a machine, reported to be a large suction bailer, and his upper body was partially trapped under a compact load of paper weighing more 100 pounds.

Significant volumes of paper had to be removed from around the worker before firefighters were able to free him after a two-hour rescue and recovery mission that included crews attempting to gain access to the machine through the roof of the facility.

The identity of the victim has not been made public.

Berlin President Tina Tromiczak would only confirm a fatality at the facility and that she and plant officials were cooperating with authorities.

"We deeply regret the loss to the person's family," she said.

A total of 25 fire personnel were on the scene during the incident. Carol Stream firefighters were assisted by firefighters and command staff from the Hanover Park and Wheaton fire departments and Bloomingdale Fire District.