State Fines Western North Carolina Farm Where Worker Died

A western North Carolina farm where a worker died earlier this year faces an $8,400 fine from the state Labor Department.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reported the department fined Norton Creek farms in Franklin for the death of Bobby Ammons on Aug. 2. An agency spokesman says the fine is for two alleged serious violations. Authorities say Ammons was overcome by carbon monoxide caused when a propane-fueled forklift operated inside a trailer with no ventilation.

A second worker also was overcome and treated.

Spokesman Neal O’Briant says the maximum penalty for each violation is $7,000.

No one answered the phone at Norton Creek Farms when the Associated Press called Tuesday. O’Briant says the company has 15 working days to appeal the fine or request an informal conference with the department.