Worker caught in machinery, killed at brass casting company in Swansea

A 59-year old worker at Century Brass Works in Swansea was crushed to death by hydraulic machinery Friday morning.

St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr., identified the man as Mark Mattern of the 200 block of Alois in Albers.

Mattern was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:44 a.m. Dye said.

Swansea Police Chief Steve Johnson said police received a call in reference to the workplace accident at 6 a.m.

“Officers arrived within one minute and ran towards the victim and the large machinery,” Johnson said. “Several workers and Swansea police used a large pry to lift the hydraulic machine off of the victim. Along with the Swansea Fire Department, they began lifesaving measures.”

Johnson said Arch helicopter was dispatched to company, located at 1100 North Illinois St.

“Officers, firefighter and and Abbott Ambulance personnel performed CPR on the victim and unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries,” Johnson said.

Swansea detective Jason Frank and investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also were at the scene.

Century Brass Works Inc. operates in a 45,000-square-foot facility filling business orders from” one casting or 1,000 castings, from one pound or less to 300 pounds,” according to the company website.

The company issued a statement Friday afternoon: The Century Castings family is greatly saddened by the loss of a longtime team member earlier today. We extend our deepest condolences to family members, loved ones, and all those affected. Century Castings is fully cooperating with the investigation of this incident.”

Johnson also noted the company’s history in Swansea in expressing his condolences to Mattern’s family.

“Swansea emergency responders send their condolences to the family,” Johnson said. “Century Castings has been a long-time employer in Swansea and employed generations of families.”

This story was originally published September 2, 2022 at 10:57 AM.