Milwaukee worker crushed by 3-ton steel bar

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee County officials say a 23-year-old factory worker was crushed when a 3-ton steel bar swung down from an overhead crane.

The medical examiner's office identified the man as Benjamin H. Alcorn of Milwaukee.

The crash was reported Tuesday about 4:15 a.m. at Acme Galvanizing Inc. The medical examiner's report says several workers heard a noise and found Alcorn crushed beneath the bar.

The report says Alcorn was apparently trying to use a crane to move the 64-foot-long bar, but one of the hooks that attached to the bar was not securely fastened. The bar was 10 to 15 feet in the air when one end broke away and slammed into him.

Alcorn's injuries included deep lacerations on his head.

Federal workplace-safety inspectors are investigating.