According to local reports, Larry Relefod, who suffered burns over 50 percent of his body after an explosion at Gerdau Long Steel North America’s Knoxville, Tennessee mill on May 15, succumbed to his injuries late Monday night. Five other workers were injured in the blast, and treated and released from the hospital.
Gerdau issued the following statement Tuesday:
Gerdau is greatly saddened to confirm that an employee injured in the incident at our Knoxville, Tenn., steel mill on Thursday, May 15, passed away last night. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers. The company has been working with the proper authorities to determine the cause of the incident and expects a final report to be released by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the next two months. Out of respect to the family and per company policy, no additional personal information will be shared at this time.