Man dies in accident at Tronox plant
Contract worker killed when pontoon dredge capsizes
A Brooksville man has died in an accident at the Tronox plant in Hamilton.
WCBI-TV reported that 56-year-old George Rice, a contract worker with Jimco, was onboard an 18-foot pontoon dredge that capsized in Pond No. 11 at 6:40 a.m. Thursday.
Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley said Rice was wearing a life jacket. The Columbus Fire and Rescue water rescue team recovered Rice's body at 8:57 a.m.
Rescue officials said Rice apparently was working when a piece of equipment overturned, trapping him underneath.
Gurley said Rice's body has been sent to Jackson for an autopsy.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Tronox mines and processes titanium ore, zircon and other minerals, and manufactures titanium dioxide pigments that add brightness and durability to paints, plastics, paper, and other products