Worker Dies At 'Deep Tunnel' Project Site In Summit

(CBS) -- A worker has died at the site of the "Deep Tunnel" project in southwest suburban Summit.

The news was confirmed by a member of the Summit Fire Department on Monday afternoon. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was en route to the site.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the worker as Robert Ellison, 55, of Spring Grove.

Summit police said they would release details about the incident Tuesday.

A contractor involved with the project, Kiewit Corp., issued a statement about the death:

"We were deeply saddened to learn that an employee on the McCook Reservoir Main Tunnel System project lost his life earlier today. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends, and those who knew and worked with him at Kiewit. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of them at this time. The safety of those who work on our projects is our most fundamental value and top priority. Kiewit is conducting a thorough investigation and working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our partners, and state and local authorities."

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago oversees the Deep Tunnel project, a series of reservoirs meant to keep floodwaters and sewer overflow at bay in the Chicago region.