Worker dies at ArcelorMittal steel mill in NW Indiana

EAST CHICAGO, Ind. - A 71-year-old employee at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor in northwest Indiana was fatally struck by a vehicle Tuesday, officials said.

The Lake County coroner’s office said it was called to the steel mill, 3210 Watling St., in East Chicago, Indiana, about 1:30 p.m. A spokesperson for ArcelorMittal said the man was struck by a coil tractor.

He was identified as George Salinas, of Gary, the coroner’s office said. A ruling on the manner and cause of his death was pending.

“ArcelorMittal extends our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of our colleague during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said. “We are deeply troubled by today’s incident and will make every effort to understand the cause and take measures to prevent a possible reoccurrence.”

ArcelorMittal and United Steelworkers are investigating, the spokesperson said.

The man’s death is the fourth fatal workplace accident at ArcelorMittal’s East Chicago steel mill since 2017, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported.