Worker Dies In Industrial Accident At Illinois Rivian Warehouse

NORMAL, IL — A 61-year-old worker was killed Thursday when he was pinned between a semi-trailer and a loading dock at the Rivian Automotive warehouse in Normal.

McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder identified the man as Kevin Lancaster, saying he died from multiple blunt traumatic compressional injuries, according to 25News Now.

Normal fire officials said crews responded to a report of an industrial accident at the facility, 301 Kerrick Road. Upon arriving, firefighters found the man still trapped between the trailer and the dock with critical injuries and worked to free him. Officials said the man had been pinned for 20 minutes.

Lancaster was extricated and taken by ambulance to Carle Bromenn Medical Center in critical condition.

A LifeFlight helicopter had been requested due to the severity of Lancaster's injuries, but he was transported by ambulance before the aircraft arrived, officials said.

Lancaster was pronounced dead at 2:33 p.m. Normal police and the coroner's office continue to investigate the incident.

A statement from Rivian identified Lancaster as a contractor, WGN reported. The statement added, "Safety at our facilities is our top priority ... Our sympathy and thoughts are with the contractor’s family and friends. We are working with the Normal Police Department on its investigation."

According to Rivian, "Normal is home to our first manufacturing facility where we’re building our consumer and commercial electric vehicles and a unique collaborative culture."

In May 2024, the electric vehicle manufacturer said it was poised to receive $827 million in state funding to expand its facility in Normal.

"The funds from the incentive package will go towards expansion of the plant, improvements in public infrastructure and job training programs for Rivian’s workforce, leading up to the company’s production of its midsized SUV, R2," the company said at the time.

In October, WGLT said after receiving millions of dollars in tax breaks, Rivian was "no longer sharing publicly how many people work at its Normal manufacturing plant."