Worker killed by bowling-alley machine

FAIRFIELD, Ohio, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A maintenance worker was killed in a freak accident at an Ohio bowling alley when his clothes became entangled in the spikes of a pin-setting machine he was attempting to repair.

David Geiger, of Cincinnati, died of traumatic asphyxia, and the death was ruled accidental by the local coroner. People were bowling at the time at other lanes, but didn't notice anything unusual or hear any cries for help.

Another worker found Gieger, 53, when he failed to respond to other repair calls.

Owners of the family-run operation said they were "sad and upset" by the death of Gieger, who had worked at the bowling alley for four years.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials are investigating the accident.

"The machines are about 50 years old.They're good machines but just like any running machine, they're dangerous—they got gears, pulleys, everything's running back there," said the head mechanic at another alley.