Man killed in accident at Genie

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man was killed Tuesday evening during an industrial accident at the Genie Industries plant, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday.

He was later identified by the Grant County Coroner's Office as 31-year-old Michael Huntley, according to a KHQ report.

Emergency responders were called to the Genie plant on Graham Road Northeast about 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, where they found a man was pinned by falling equipment.

He was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, according to the sheriff's office.

Officials at Genie Industries said they have temporarily ceased operations at the Moses Lake plant pending a state Department of Labor and Industries investigation. Genie is working with internal and external experts to determine the exact cause of the accident.

"In the 50 years of its history, Genie has never experienced a team member fatality at any of its facilities," according to a statement released by Genie. "We are fully committed to supporting a thorough investigation. As always, we are mindful of the well-being and safety of our other team members."

Genie is providing on-site counseling for employees at the Moses Lake plant.

- Staff report