Released by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake Public Affairs Office--

An operator setting up for an ordnance test in Area R was fatally injured Tuesday morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. when a bundle of Celotex weighing more than 2,000 pounds fell on him. The operator, an ordnance equipment mechanic, was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Celotex is used in ordnance testing to protect ordnance test articles and test instrumentation.

The family is being notified. The mishap is under investigation.