Chemical Plant Explosion at Fertilizer Plant Kills One
Authorities report that a man tragically died after a fertilizer plant explosion in southwest Georgia, according to a local news report. The 35 year old employee was on top of a tank welding and making repairs when it suddenly exploded. The blast happened during the afternoon hours and required the area within a half mile radius surrounding the plant to be evacuated. The tank holds one million gallons of sodium hydrosulfide. This chemical is toxic if inhaled and is used to manufacture dyes in paper pulping and to release hydrogen sulfide. It is also very corrosive and flammable. Crews spent three hours containing the massive fire following the explosion and residents were either evacuated or placed in lockdown. OSHA is investigating the explosion and it is unclear as of now what caused the fatal accident.
What Causes a Plant Explosion?
There are many different situations that can lead to a plant explosion, but some scenarios commonly cause explosions. For example, fires that start as minor but then spread out of control can cause large explosions. In other cases, natural disasters such as lightning storms or earthquakes can also trigger explosions. For the majority of plant explosions, negligence on the part of the plant owner, a supervisor or fellow employees plays a role in the accident.
Some of the most common causes of plant explosions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Malfunctioning or defective equipment;
- Improper machine maintenance;
- Failure to properly train employees;
- Failure to supervise and ensure employees are in compliance with federal safety regulations;
- Use of impure chemicals;
- Improperly maintained boilers;
- Careless smoking of cigarettes near flammable materials;
- Undetected or unaddressed corrosion on plant parts;
- Violations of OSHA safety regulations;
- Poor labeling of chemicals or parts;
- Well blowouts; and
- Unsafe procedures.
If you have been injured in a plant explosion or incurred property damage, you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Georgia has been the site of several major chemical plant explosions, many of which have been traced to negligence. Employees injured in a plant explosion should be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits, but might also be able to seek additional compensation from the parties responsible. Community members damaged by the explosion should also be able to bring a personal injury, wrongful death or property damage claims against the plant or other entity responsible for the explosion. Your attorney will assist in investigating the incident as well as taking the necessary steps to protect your rights.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
If you have been injured in an accident that potentially involves negligence, the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, offer the exceptional representation you need to obtain the best possible outcome on your case. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the field of personal injury law and we accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/One-Killed-in-Bainbridge-Tanker-Truck-Explosion-322292872.html