Reports on chemical plant explosion not expected for months

An overnight explosion and fire in West Carrollton at an industrial plant on Infirmary Rd. was still burning early Monday, May 4.

Staff photo by Ty Greenlees An overnight explosion and fire in West Carrollton at an industrial plant on Infirmary Rd. was still burning early Monday, May 4.

Photos: Photos: Explosion, fire rocks plant

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By Kristin McAllister, Staff Writer Updated 10:22 PM Thursday, May 7, 2009

WEST CARROLLTON — It could be months before the details as to what exactly happened to cause an explosion early Monday at a West Carrollton chemical plant that left four plant workers injured, two seriously, officials said Thursday.

“There’s a lot of information that’s got to be gathered with any incident this large,” said West Carrollton fire Capt. Chris Barnett. “With all the agencies involved, I’ve even seen it take up to a year before they really become finite about what is the cause or origin.”

The state fire marshal this week ruled the explosion accidental, stating that a vapor leak is believed to be the cause for the explosion at the Veolia Environmental Services solvent and fuels recycling plant at 4301 Infirmary Road.

The blast and fire shortly after midnight Monday caused an estimated $50 million in damage, fire Chief Jack Keister said.

In addition to the state fire marshal, reports are expected from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, Homeland Security and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

“The safety of our employees and neighbors is our top concern,” plant general manager Darek Teeters said in a statement.

Six employees were on site at the of the explosion, Teeters said.

Four of the six employees were injured and sent to a local hospital. One employee, Norman Gibbs of Franklin, remains in the Miami Valley Hospital in fair condition, according to hospital officials.

Gibbs declined comment Thursday.

West Carrollton City Manager Brad Townsend said the ordeal has been traumatic for the company and its employees.

“They’re doing all the right things, meeting with people who had damage and offering their support to everyone involved,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-9338 or kmcallister@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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