TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- A person has died at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, according to Florida State University. A second employee was treated at the scene for minor injuries and released.
“This is truly a tragic event and my heart goes out to the family of the employee,” said Gary K. Ostrander, Florida State University Vice President for Research. “Such a loss is difficult to absorb for such a close and caring community. We are here to provide support to those who need it."
The incident happened at around 10 a.m. Wednesday. Glenn Nix was working on a magnet construction project when the accident happened, said the university. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time police have not released any other details about the accident because they say it is still under investigation.
Police arrived on the scene immediately and launched an investigation. Leon County EMS, TFD and TPD also responded.
According to Florida State University Police, there is no ongoing safety risk to MagLab employees or the public as a result of this accident.
In 2012, an employee at the MagLab was severely burned during an electrical fire. Chris Oxendine received second and third degree burns and was treated at Shands hospital in Gainesville.
The only magnet lab of its kind in the United States, the MagLab is home to the largest and most powerful magnets in the world. The lab was established by the National Science Foundation in 1990.
