KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Cemex employee died after a large pile of coal collapsed on top of him, according to the Knoxville Police Department.
Police said officers responded to the Cemex plant on Cement Plant Road around 7:45 a.m. Saturday after employees found the victim's body underneath a large pile of coal.
Police said it took several hours for Knoxville Fire Department crews to excavate and recover the man's body. KPD identified him as Thomas Mitchell, 21, of Blaine.
"All signs indicate that the death was the result of a tragic industrial accident," KPD said.
Cemex said in a statement the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
"We are deeply saddened to confirm there was a fatal accident involving an employee at our Knoxville cement plant on Saturday, November 5. Our condolences go out to his family and all who are impacted by this tragic loss. The accident investigation continues and we are cooperating fully with the authorities," it said.