ECORSE, Mich. – The state of Michigan is leading the investigation into Sunday's deadly accident at the U.S Steel mill in Ecorse.
Nino Palazzolo was killed in the accident, that took place at about 2:40 a.m. Sunday.
Palazzolo was employed at the U.S. Steel Great Lakes Works as a remote control locomotive operator. Molten iron is carried by rail from the blast furnace to other parts of the complex.
On Sunday an estimated 190 tons of molten iron spilled inside a building and when the 2,500 degree material spread out and touched snow outside, there were several explosions.
Palazzolo was killed and two other workers had minor injuries.
Spokesmen for the steelworkers union say the accident was unrelated to Palazzolo, a husband and father of two young children.
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.
Steelworkers Local 1299 will take up a collection from workers at the plant gate Wednesday to raise money to help Palazzolo's family.