LONGVIEW — A 23-year-old Kelso man who fell into a machine that breaks up clumps of wood bark is out of a Vancouver hospital and recovering at his mother’s home.
Frank Arce Jr. says support from his family and friends is one reason he was able to leave the hospital Saturday — sooner than doctors expected.
He was injured on the job Jan. 23 at Swanson Bark & Wood in Longview when he went through the machine that uses 6-to-7-inch-long tines to break up clumps.
The Daily News reports he broke seven ribs, a toe, his ankle and pelvis. He suffered an open fracture to his knee, numerous cuts and a collapsed lung. He’s had seven surgeries.
Arce hopes to regain most of his movement but still faces a long recovery.
