Construction site worker dies after ‘uncontrolled pressure release’ at TSMC plant in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A construction site worker died Wednesday after “an uncontrolled pressure release” of a tank holding waste material at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant in Phoenix, authorities said.

Officers responded to an injured person call near 51st Avenue and Dove Valley Road around 2:30 p.m., the Phoenix Police Department said.

As officers drove to the site, they learned the incident involved possible waste material in a tractor trailer.

Fire personnel responded to decontaminate the area and give aid to the driver, 41-year-old Cesar Anguiano-Guitron.

Anguinao-Guitron was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The driver was taking waste material away from the site in his tractor trailer when he was made aware of a potential issue involving the tank storing the material under pressure.

“While inspecting the equipment, an uncontrolled pressure release occurred, which resulted in Anguinao-Guitron being struck by a blunt object and thrown over 20 feet from the trailer where he suffered life-threatening injuries,” Sgt. Phil Krynsky said in a press release.

An investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing.

Officials with TSMC Arizona said in a statement that no company employees or onsite construction workers were injured and there was no damage to the plant’s facilities.

TSMC produces nearly all of the leading-edge microchips in the world and plans to eventually do so in the U.S.

Last month, President Joe Biden’s administration pledged to provide up to $6.6 billion so that the Taiwanese semiconductor giant can expand the facilities it is already building in Arizona and better ensure that the most advanced microchips are produced domestically for the first time.

The funding is tied to a sweeping 2022 law that Biden has celebrated and which is designed to revive U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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