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Brooklyn Tortilla Factory Worker Dies in Mixer Accident

A worker at Bushwick’s Tortilleria Chinantla died Monday after falling into an industrial dough mixer and snapping his neck. Juan Baten, a 22-year-old Guatemalan immigrant, had worked at the factory for more than six years. The tortilleria is popular with neighborhood businesses, who buy the fresh tortillas directly from the factory. The factory has no history of OSHA violations. Fellow worker Pablo Baten (not related) said everyone at the factory was devastated by the news. “He was a very responsible worker, and he worked very hard for his family.” Monday evening the factory remained closed, and friends and loved ones of Baten were in shock. He left behind wife Rosa and 7-month-old daughter Stefanie. [NYT]

Brooklyn Tortilla Factory Worker Dies in Mixer Accident