11/01/2011 // WPB, FL, USA // Injury Lawyers News // Nicole Howley

Burns Harbor, IN — An industrial accident at ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor has seriously injured a Portage man, who is in an induced coma at an Illinois hospital. The workplace accident occurred Saturday evening, October 29, 2011, when a high-pressure steam hose burst, reported the Post-Tribune.

According to officials, the steam hose at the No. 1 basic oxygen furnace ruptured, leaving Gabe Rocha with third-degree burns to over 55 percent of his body. Rocha was reportedly checking the pressure lines that are a part of a cooling system with the hose burst.

Apparently, workers were looking at the steam pressure line after receiving an alert that it had blown, when Rocha was sprayed with steam and thrown about 200 feet.

Rocha, who is in his 50s, was left with severe burns to his hands, neck, back and legs.

Responding emergency crews airlifted Rocha to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill., where he is expected to remain in a coma for about a month.

ArcelorMittal is investigating the fatal industrial accident, along with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Indiana workplace accident lawyers.

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