Man pinned by 5K pounds of steel, hospitalized

A Wayne County was seriously injured after his lower body was pinned under a 5,000-pound roll of steel Friday in an Ontario County workplace.

John E. Washburn of Palmyra was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight Friday night with serious lower leg injuries and possible internal injuries, Ontario County Sheriff's deputies said.

He was working at Pacemaker Steel and Pipe in Manchester when he became trapped by three long bundles of rolled steel. Two of them were removed by co-workers using a crane, but a third remained atop one of his legs.

Responders from the Shortsville and Manchester fire departments needed 40 minutes to free him. Washburn, 48, remained conscious during the rescue.

He was listed in guarded condition at Strong Saturday morning.

The sheriff's office and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the accident.