John Robert May : Local Man Victim in Fatal Industrial Fire – Orange Leader

Local man identified as victim in fatal industrial fire Monday afternoon

Yesterday afternoon, tragedy struck in the Vidor area as a fatal industrial fire claimed the life of 61-year-old John Robert May from Vidor. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Mr. May as the victim of the devastating incident that occurred at Optimus Steel.

Details of the Incident

Reports indicate that the fire was caused by a piece of machinery, although further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. The Orange County ESD No. 1 Fire Chief, Robert Smith, revealed that emergency services received a distress call about a structure fire at the Optimus Steel facility around 1:40 p.m. on Monday.

Upon arrival, the fire had already been extinguished, but tragically, Mr. May had sustained severe burns. He was rushed to CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, where he was pronounced dead.

Location of Optimus Steel

Optimus Steel, the site of the unfortunate incident, is situated at 100 Old Highway 90 in West Vidor. The industrial complex plays a significant role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the community.

Current Investigations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire at Optimus Steel. Authorities are working diligently to gather all necessary information to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Orange Newsmedia has been attempting to reach out to Optimus Steel for comment on the tragic event, but as of now, there has been no response.

— Article by Mary Meaux