A 19-year-old sanitation worker lost his life in a horrific industrial accident at Tina’s Burritos food processing plant in Vernon, California, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the facility located in the 2600 block of Vernon Avenue, just south of downtown Los Angeles. The young man, whose identity has not been publicly released, was cleaning an industrial meat grinder during an after-hours sanitation shift when the machine unexpectedly activated, pulling him inside.
According to the Vernon Police Department, fellow employees heard the teenager’s desperate screams for help and attempted to shut off the machine, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Emergency services, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, responded promptly to reports of an injured worker, but the young man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected, describing the incident as a tragic accident.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has launched a formal investigation to examine the circumstances of the accident, focusing on workplace safety protocols and what may have caused the meat grinder to activate unexpectedly. The District Attorney’s Office is also involved in the investigation to ensure a thorough review of the incident. A representative for the City of Vernon expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and coworkers affected by this tragedy.”
Tina’s Burritos, known for its single-serve frozen burritos, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. The investigation aims to determine whether the company adhered to proper safety standards and what measures were in place to prevent such accidents. This tragedy marks a somber moment for the Vernon community and highlights the dangers faced by workers in industrial food processing environments.
