Authorities say a maintenance mechanic has died in a central Illinois elevator accident.
McLean County Coroner Kathleen Davis said 56-year-old county employee John Hoeniges of Bloomington died in the incident Tuesday morning at the county's Law and Justice Center.
Hoeniges was last seen by witnesses heading toward an elevator shaft. His death was later discovered by co-workers. Hoeniges had been a McLean County maintenance employee for seven years.
Authorities say Hoeniges may have been struck by one or more elevator counterweights, which are used to stabilize the load of an elevator.
County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen says authorities don't know why Hoeniges was in the shaft.
Workplace safety and the State Fire Marshal's Office, which has oversight of elevators, also will investigate.
