Chemical spray claims man's life
The outside of Chemi-Con near Moses Lake, where a Moses Lake man was injured and later died in a work-related incident.
MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man died Thursday after he was sprayed with a combination of hot water and boric acid at a Moses Lake company.
Javier Puente, 63, was working on routine pipe maintenance on July 23 when he and another co-worker were sprayed with the combination of water and acid at Chemi-Con near the Grant County International Airport, according to a Grant County sheriff's report released Friday.
The maintenance supervisor on scene said the operation was performed as a normal procedure, according to the police report. The supervisor shut down the area.
"This was a very tragic and unfortunate incident that is currently under investigation," Chemi-Con Vice President Joseph Akers said. "But out of respect to Mr. Puente's family, we have no other comment at this time."
Puente received burns to the torso, and the other victim received minor burns, according to the police report.
Both men declined medical attention, according to the police report. Puente was transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake because of his injuries.
During transport, Puente reportedly kept his faculties, said Chief Deputy Ken Jones with the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
He was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died.
Puente's family could not be reached for comment on Friday.