A tragic workplace accident occurred recently in Arizona, claiming the life of a dedicated father when he got trapped in an industrial chemical mixer.
Jose Fernando Partida, 57, passed away on January 4, about a week after the incident at Gowan Flour Mill in Yuma.
While cleaning the inside of the mixer, he inadvertently activated it.
A co-worker assisting him managed to escape, but unfortunately, Partida was caught.
“The heartbreaking part is that he was there, calling for help,” shared his son, Omar. “I told my family in Arizona.”
Emergency power shut-off was swift, yet it took around five hours for first responders to free Partida from the mixer, according to a spokesperson from Rural Metro Fire.
Given the hazardous nature of the chemicals involved, a hazmat team was needed for the rescue.
Omar reflected on the pain his father must have endured. “I can’t imagine being trapped there for five hours. He didn’t deserve that,” he expressed.
Partida spent a week in the hospital, unconscious and with multiple injuries including broken ribs, an arm, and a leg, before succumbing to his wounds on January 10.
“When I first got the call about the accident, I thought it was minor,” the heartbroken son said.
He remembered his father fondly, a man always ready to lend a helping hand and an avid sports fan, especially of the LA Rams.
“He was the one who was always there for my sister and me, offering solutions to our problems. Now, I just feel lost,” Omar added.
Gowan Milling LLC, the company involved, expressed profound sadness over Partida’s death.
They stated, “Upon learning of this employee’s injuries, we immediately implemented emergency response protocols involving medical professionals and first responders.”
The spokesperson mentioned that “paramedics treated him at the scene and took him to the hospital”, emphasizing their collaboration with emergency teams to ensure safety around the incident.
They conveyed their condolences, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our employee and extend our sympathies to his family.”
Investigations are currently underway, with the company cooperating with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and the Arizona Industrial Commission, the investigation might take up to five months to finalize.
A GoFundMe page set up by Partida’s cousin to support the family and cover funeral costs has so far raised over $6,000 toward a $10,000 goal.
