Local man identified as victim in fatal industrial fire Monday afternoon

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim of Monday’s industrial mishap that resulted in one fatality.

The victim is identified as 61-year-old John Robert May, of Vidor, who police said died following a fire at Optimus Steel in the Vidor area.

According to preliminary information, the incident involved a piece of machinery that caught on fire.

An autopsy is pending.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.

Orange County ESD No. 1 Fire Chief Robert Smith said authorities received a call of a structure fire at the facility at approximately 1:40 p.m. Monday.

Smith said the fire had been extinguished when the first crew arrived at the scene, but added there was a burn victim at the site.

He said a burn victim was taken to CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, where the man was pronounced deceased.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Justin Chesson ordered an autopsy. The preliminary autopsy report is not available as of Tuesday.

Optimus Steel is located at 100 Old Highway 90, West Vidor.

Orange Newsmedia’s attempts to reach a representative with Optimus Steel have been unsuccessful.

— Written by Mary Meaux

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