Sheriff: 4 people hurt at Waupaca in Perry Co.

PERRY CO., Ind. (WFIE) - Four people were hurt during a workplace accident in Perry County.

It happened Monday morning around 10:30 at the Waupaca Plant on Indiana 66 in Tell City.

Perry County Sheriff Alan Malone says three Waupaca employees were flown by helicopter and one employee was taken by ambulance to the University of Louisville Hospital’s burn unit.

Tuesday, Waupaca officials told us three of the four employees injured in the accident were released from the hospital and the fourth is expected to go home by the end of the week.

They say the accident happened while workers were doing maintenance on the foundry’s cupola.

Officials tell us OSHA is aware of the incident, and a safety inspector has been assigned.

Sheriff Malone says multiple agencies worked together to make sure the helicopters got in and out safely.

“We have a job to do and, you know, we were just able to coordinate with everybody," Sheriff Malone said. "Indiana State Police, Tell City Police Department helped us out. And, you know, just to secure the landing zone and make sure everybody gets in and out safely the best they can.”

A spokesperson for Waupaca says an internal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

The company sent us the following statement:

"Waupaca Foundry confirms four employees received non-life threatening injuries during maintenance to its cupola at its Tell City, Indiana iron foundry today. The employees were transported via air and ground to a regional burn center for treatment. An internal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

Waupaca Foundry has notified immediate family. The company is very appreciative for the immediate response of local first responders, paramedics, and law enforcement."

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