El Paso Times

A 32-year-old man was crushed and burned to death Monday in what sheriff's office investigators say was an industrial accident involving a forklift.

The victim, Luis M. Castro, whose address was withheld, was driving a forklift at Kastro's Wood Pallets Inc., on the 13000 block of Davidson Boulevard, at about 10 a.m. when he climbed off the machine while apparently leaving it in gear, El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokesman Rick Glancey said. "With his back to the forklift, he was attempting to place some unknown items in a fire bin. Apparently, the forklift was in gear and rolled toward him," Glancey said. "He was pinned between the machinery and the fire bin."

Glancey said Castro was "crushed and burned." Investigators reported his body was found by a co-worker who attempted to give aid. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Whenever you get off a forklift:

• Place the gear in park/neutral
• Engage the parking brake
• Turn off the engine
• Remove the key

 It's the safe thing to do.