Pizza Factory Worker In US Crushed To Death By Robotic Machine In Freak Accident

A 45-year-old employee at Palermo's Pizza factory in West Milwaukee lost his life after being crushed by a robotic machine during his work shift. According to eyewitnesses and official company statements, the tragic incident took place around 6:30 am in the production area where automated robotic systems handle the stretching and shaping of pizza dough. The victim, Robert Cherone from Elkhorn, was working his regular shift when the fatal accident occurred, as reported by Fox News.

Emergency personnel quickly arrived at the location and attempted life-saving measures, but unfortunately, Mr. Cherone was declared dead at the facility. The specific circumstances leading to his death remain unclear, including details about how he became trapped in the robotic equipment.

The incident is currently under investigation by West Milwaukee police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), who are working together to determine exactly what happened during this tragic accident.

Palermo's spokesperson Rebecca Schimke released a statement on Wednesday saying, "The tragic accident that took an employee's life earlier today is a terrible incident that is being fully investigated. We are cooperating with government officials and gathering facts. Palermo's will be supporting the employee's family and next of kin. We will also be offering counselling and support services to Palermo's team during this difficult time."

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Cherone served as a bakery manager at Palermo's and had extensive experience in food production. His colleagues recognized him for his commitment and dedication to his work.

Wisconsin's largest labor organization, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, also commented on the incident: "This tragic incident underscores the need for everyone involved in our workplaces—workers, employers, relevant government agencies—to work together aggressively to ensure that every person who goes to work to provide for themselves and their family comes home safely at the end of the day."

Mr. Cherone's death follows a similar tragedy in Missouri, where factory worker Nicolas Lopez Gomez, 38, died after becoming trapped in an industrial oven at the Gilster Marylee Cereal Plant. Mr. Gomez, who was from Guatemala, was cleaning the oven when the accident happened. Authorities have determined that foul play was not a factor in that incident.