A Manhattan asphalt plant employee has now been upgraded to serious condition after surgery at a Wichita hospital.
As KMAN news first told you in breaking news over the noon hour Monday, emergency officials responded to the plant located at McDowell Creek Road at about 12:30, with an employee caught in a conveyor belt.
That employee was later identified as 24 year old Willie Hegwood of Manhattan.
Hegwood was transported to Mercy Regional Health Center, and then airlifted to Via Christi Hospital in Wichita.
Hegwood was found trapped in what responders called an inverted cruciform position. Hegwood complained of arm and leg pain, but had no loss of consciousness. Injuries included burns on his forehead and right arm.
Shilling Construction President Mike Shilling tells KMAN Tuesday morning surgery was successful and they are expecting Hegwood to recover.
Click This Link to hear Shillings interview with KMAN’s Cathy Dawes.