Tests identify nitrogen source in fatal Ohio fall

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (AP) — Tests show nitrogen that filled a manhole where an Ohio city worker died after falling came from gas lines running between two companies.

The tests by Middletown officials identified the source of the nitrogen leak in lines running from Air Products & Chemicals to AK Steel’s Middletown works.

Air Products’ spokesman Art George says the 250-foot lines are being excavated to find the leaks.

Middletown maintenance worker Jabin Lakes was doing a routine inspection of a sewer line when he died May 7.

Three firefighters who tried to rescue Lakes also were overcome by something in the air and taken to hospitals.