For Immediate Release

BURNS HARBOR, Ind., November 29, 2002 - An employee of Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Burns Harbor Division was fatally injured this morning in an incident at the steelmaking department.

The Burns Harbor employee was identified as Randal E. Moehl, 47, of Hobart, Ind., who had 29 years of service with the Burns Harbor Division. At the time of the incident, Mr. Moehl was working as a hot metal helper operating a remote controlled switch engine in the Division's steelmaking department.

At approximately 8:50 a.m., Burns Harbor Division emergency response personnel were called to the steelmaking department where the employee, after failing to respond to radio communications, was found in the area of the hot metal transfer tracks. Activity in the building was suspended until an investigation at the scene could be completed.

The incident is under investigation; however, the division is proceeding as if it were an occupational accident. A President's Investigation Committee, which consists of representatives of the United Steelworkers of America and Burns Harbor Division management, has been convened to investigate the accident. State and local agencies have been notified, and the Porter County, Ind., Coroner's office is assisting in the investigation.

Further details will be released when available.

Return to News Releases