Friday, October 7, 2016 10:45 am

COVINGTON, Virginia (From the Roanoke Times) -- An employee was fatally injured while working at a WestRock Co. facility in Covington early Thursday.

The incident, which involved a contractor employee, happened about 3:15 a.m. in the recovery area of the paper mill, according to WestRock spokesperson Rebecca Johnson.

Johnson did not identify the employee or the contractor that employed him.
"Heartfelt sympathy and condolences are extended to his family members, friends, and colleagues from the WestRock team," a statement released by Johnson read.

No additional details would be released, the company said, while the incident is under investigation.

Jennifer Rose, safety program director for Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Program, confirmed that the agency is investigating the death.

Under state law, the program investigates all workplace fatalities. Regulators have up to six months to determine whether there are any grounds for citations by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.