StaceyPageOnline.com has learned through a family member that Cheryl Pitts of Palestine was the woman injured in an industrial accident at Par-Kan Wednesday afternoon.

According to the source, who asked not to be named, Pitts, who is in her late 40s, was crushed by approximately 3,000 pounds of “cans” that fell on her when a strap on a tow motor broke. Pitts guarded her face and head as the cans landed on her back.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday, Silver Lake Fire Department, medics from LifeMed and Lutheran Air were called to Par-Kan, 295 W. 950 S., in Silver Lake, for an unspecified injury.

Today we are told by the family member that Pitts is hospitalized in critical condition with a broken ankle, a shattered left femur and a broken left hip. Also, she sustained internal injuries, said the source.

Pitts is currently in a medically induced coma. “They said it would be 48 hours before we know anymore,” added the family member. “The doctor told our family he isn’t going to say she won’t make it, but he isn’t saying she is going to make it. We have to wait the next two days to see. They thought they were going to have to do surgery again on her because her stomach was swelling, but they didn’t (last night) and they still might if the swelling doesn’t go down from internal bleeding.”

Par-Kan was contacted for information but was unable to make a statement about the incident.

Among other products, Par-Kan manufactures dumpsters and other containers used for refuse.