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All the latest updates from Atex Explosion Hazards.
Dust cloud and heater behind plant explosion
US
A dust cloud and kerosene heater caused a large explosion at a manufacturing business plant in Edmond Oklahoma.
Officials said the explosion took place on Thursday morning and that once person is in a critical condition.
The incident is said to have taken place after employees attended to a clogged machine. When a pipe became disconnected a powdery substance known as polymer, created a dust cloud.
The cloud then drifted toward an industrial space heater that was the source of an open flame, this subsequently caused an explosion that saw four employees suffer burns. One employee has since been released from medical care however one remains in ICU.
The plant that coats piping with corrosion preventing material has been shut down pending an internal investigation.
Kelly Lewis from Edomnd Fire reported that, “When we got inside we determined there was no fire, had one occurred it was out. There was a little bit of burn debris that they found, so there was the explosion.”
In addition to doing its own investigation, National Oilwell Varco has hired a nurse to be at the Integris Baptist Medical Center to see to the needs of the employees as long as they are there it is reported.
