A Melbourne man remains in ICU after a shocking workplace accident which left him with several life-changing injuries, including the loss of a foot.
Pete Munyan, 47, was working the night shift at the Bluescope Steel factory in Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula on July 1 when a 10-tonne steel beam that was attached to a crane fell on him.
Munyan was trapped for two hours beneath the beam, with specialist rescue equipment brought in to remove it.
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Once freed, the father-of-two was sedated and flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital where he remains in intensive care.
He suffered severe injuries including two spinal fractures and multiple breaks to his pelvis.
Munyan has undergone multiple surgeries, including one to amputate his left foot.
Deb Baker, Munyan’s cousin, told 7NEWS.com.au he was not in an induced coma but had been sedated most of the time.
“The good news is, there’s no sign of any brain injury or (impact on) his respiratory system,” she said.
“He has not been conscious but he has responded, like, if people ask him questions, he’s nodded his head and he’s been able to squeeze his hands.
“So we know he’s in there fighting.”
Munyan was born in Rochester, New York, but moved to Australia in 2006.
He lives in Dromana with his wife Michelle and two teenaged children, who Baker says have remained “incredibly strong and resilient” throughout the ordeal.
Munyan’s family flew to Melbourne immediately after the accident, with his brother remaining by his side.
Baker, who lives in the US, says it has been difficult being so far away from her cousin.
“It’s heartbreaking … you know any type of accident like this, but if you knew Pete he’s just such an amazing human being and … (he has an) infectious personality,” she said.
“(He) just has this curiosity and is full of life.”
Munyan had always been extremely fit and active and was an accomplished runner in high school and college, Baker said.
In 1996, he was chosen to carry the Atlanta Olympic Games torch through his hometown, and even has an award named after him for resilience and strength that was created by his cross-country running coach.
“One of the first responders who was on the scene told a friend of the family that Pete was one of the bravest and most resilient people he had ever seen, which is not surprising to anybody in the family,” Baker said.
It is unclear how the accident will impact Munyan’s life going forward but it is clear the injuries are life changing.
A fundraiser has been set up to help the family with ongoing medical costs and future expenses.
More than $34,000 has been raised so far.
“It’s just so heartwarming, of all the dark things that are going on … to see the goodness in human beings is a positive.”
WorkSafe is continuing to investigate the accident.