Man found cooked to death inside sardine can factory

A man was found cooked to death in a sardine can factory, according to reports in the news media.

Authorities said a male employee about 62 years old, was cooked to death in a seafood plant in Southern California for Bumble Bee Foods tuna manufacturer.

The local newspaper reported that Jose Melena was found Thursday just before 7 am at the plant in Santa Fe Springs. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health spokeswoman Erika Monterroza says it is not clear how the man ended up inside a cooking device called a steam engine.

The State Department has launched an investigation into the accident.

In a written statement, Bumble Bee Foods spokesman Pat Menke expressed condolences to the family of Melena and said that operations at the canning plant will be suspended until Monday.