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Investigation Underway After Worker Dies In Alexandria 3M Plant Accident

ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (AP/WCCO) — An investigation is underway into a fatal accident at a 3M plant in western Minnesota.

Authorities in Alexandria say a male employee got caught in some machinery early Tuesday during an overnight shift.

The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration is trying to determine how the worker became trapped, the agency said.

A statement from company officials at 3M's headquarters in Maplewood said emergency response protocols were enacted in response to the incident, and the local police and fire departments and OSHA were notified.

In a statement, 3M said it was "deeply saddened" to confirm the worker's death.

"At 3M, the safety and health of all our employees is our top priority," the statement said. "We are working closely with the authorities as they conduct their investigation."

The worker's identity has not been released.

The plant, which began operations in 1967, provides industrial customers with coated abrasives for metal fabrication, automotive manufacturing and other uses.

While the plant was closed Tuesday after the incident, it has since reopened.

(© Copyright 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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