ATTLEBORO — A factory worker badly burned in a flash fire at a downtown plant has died at Rhode Island Hospital from his injuries, authorities said Monday.
The victim, Nathan Collito, 26, of Attleboro, suffered second- and third-degree burns over his body in the accident at Composite Modules Inc. at 61 Union St. last Thursday, officials said.
An investigation determined Collito was working with a chemical used during a cleaning process when the chemical accidentally ignited, causing an explosion and triggering the building’s sprinkler system, according to the state Fire Marshal’s office.
He died at the hospital Saturday, according to a spokesman.
“On behalf of the Attleboro Fire Department, I’d like to express our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Collito’s family and loved ones,” Attleboro Fire Chief Scott Lachance said in a statement. “This was a terrible tragedy for them and the community.”
The investigation was conducted by the city fire department, the fire marshal’s office and the Bristol County district attorney’s office.
The incident occurred at about 2:45 pm last Thursday on the building’s third floor where Collito was working alone, officials said.
The building’s sprinkler system activated immediately, extinguishing any ensuing fire and preventing further injuries, according to the fire marshal’s office.
The alarm system automatically notified the fire department, and the man’s fellow employees also called 911.
David Linton may be reached at 508-236-0338.
