Worker Crushed by Industrial Dryer at Orlando Hotel
By Jordan Bradley
A hotel worker at the Orlando Hilton was crushed to death by an industrial dryer in late April.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of an industrial accident at the Hilton Orlando at approximately 9 p.m. on April 23.
When they arrived on the scene, they found that “a male employee in his 30s was located under an industrial sized dryer,” the OCSCO said in an emailed statement to USAE.
“Orange County Fire Rescue pronounced the man deceased at the scene,” the statement from the sheriff’s office continued. “No additional information is available at this time.”
The office confirmed to local news outlet, Florida Today, that the identity of the worker was 30-year-old Aurelius Katinde. It is not currently clear what caused the incident.
USAE reached out to the Hilton Orlando for comment but did not receive a response by press deadline.
In a statement immediately after the incident to Florida Today, a Hilton spokesperson said the company was “deeply saddened by the very unfortunate incident” and extended their “heartfelt condolences to all those affected and remain[s] committed to supporting them during this difficult time.”
The 26-acre property is an upscale resort hotel located nearby the region’s most popular attractions, including Universal Epic Universe and SeaWorld, and the Orange County Convention Center.
According to the official Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website, an investigation at the Hilton in response to the incident was opened on April 24 and is ongoing.
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