Worker dies at chemical weapons plant in Alabama

[David]

AP


ANNISTON, Ala. - Officials say a worker has died at an Army facility where chemical weapons are destroyed in northeastern Alabama.

The laboratory worker at the Anniston Army Depot died Wednesday afternoon. The worker was employed by subcontractor Westinghouse Anniston.

A company spokesman says officials are withholding details of the death out of respect for the worker's family. But officials did say the death was not the result of chemical agents.

The death was the first at the incinerator since it began operations nearly five years ago. The Army reports only one previous death in 18 years at chemical weapons destruction sites. In that case, a worker fell from scaffolding.