A 58-year-old Mission Viejo man was killed Friday at a Coca-Cola water bottling plant in Anaheim, the victim of an apparent industrial accident, according to the coroner’s office.

Alberto Gonzalez died Friday after the accident at the plant on 2121 E. Winston Road in southwest Anaheim, according to the coroner’s office. Fire department personnel responded to the plant around 1:30 p.m. and pronounced Gonzalez soon after they arrived, according to police Sgt. Bob Dunn.

“The initial investigation revealed the victim, an employee of Coca Cola, was attempting to make repairs or adjustments to a machine used to load cases of beverages onto pallets,” Dunn said. “While the victim was inside the machine, it activated, and fatally injured the victim.”

An autopsy is scheduled for early next week. The Anaheim Police Department is investigating.

Liability for Fatal Machinery Accident in Anaheim

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is not immediately clear whether the cause of this accident was due to a malfunction in the equipment. However, if investigators come to a conclusion there was a machinery malfunction, the employer in which the victim is under the supervision could be held accountable for his death, as they are obligated and responsible for providing safe and functioning equipment.

Therefore, in a fatal accident like this one, it would be well-advised for the family of the victim to speak to an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable in machinery accidents can help family members understand their legal rights, ensure those rights are protected in a wrongful death claim, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for their tragic loss.