Kentucky Chemical Explosion Results in All-night Shelter-in-place
Residents of Fort Wright, KY were asked to shelter in place on January 11, after multiple booms were reported coming from a plastics plant starting around 8:15 p.m.
By 8:30 p.m., residents within a one-mile radius received a “code red” alert, urging them to shelter in place. Another similar boom was then reported around 11 p.m. The shelter-in-place order was not lifted until 5:30 a.m. the next morning.
Officials said the explosions were related to a storage vessel housing polyester resin. Emergency responders were able to contain the explosion and released additional details at about 1 a.m.: “As the chemical resin continues to cool down, it is off-gassing and occasionally emitting a loud popping noise. These are not considered explosions but rather a normal cooling process."
Only minor property damage was reported and no people were injured as a result of the incident.
The facility where the incident occurred is a specialty chemical company focusing on the production and distribution of unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins, gel coats, colorants, and putties.
Discover the keys to applicability for major EPA programs under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, EPCRA/Right-to-Know, CERCLA/Superfund, TSCA, and more, including emergency preparedness planning and reporting. Identify your responsibilities for compliance and be prepared to make the right decisions and protect your organization's compliance record.
Can't join us live? Train online anytime with the self-paced Complete Environmental Regulations online course.
By 8:30 p.m., residents within a one-mile radius received a “code red” alert, urging them to shelter in place. Another similar boom was then reported around 11 p.m. The shelter-in-place order was not lifted until 5:30 a.m. the next morning.
Officials said the explosions were related to a storage vessel housing polyester resin. Emergency responders were able to contain the explosion and released additional details at about 1 a.m.: “As the chemical resin continues to cool down, it is off-gassing and occasionally emitting a loud popping noise. These are not considered explosions but rather a normal cooling process."
Only minor property damage was reported and no people were injured as a result of the incident.
The facility where the incident occurred is a specialty chemical company focusing on the production and distribution of unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins, gel coats, colorants, and putties.
Identify ALL Your Environmental Responsibilities
Join a Lion instructor for the next Complete Environmental Regulations Webinar, presented LIVE on January 25–26.Discover the keys to applicability for major EPA programs under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, EPCRA/Right-to-Know, CERCLA/Superfund, TSCA, and more, including emergency preparedness planning and reporting. Identify your responsibilities for compliance and be prepared to make the right decisions and protect your organization's compliance record.
Can't join us live? Train online anytime with the self-paced Complete Environmental Regulations online course.
Tags: chemical, Chemical safety, explosion, fire
Find a Post
Recent Posts
Compliance Archives
Download Our Latest Whitepaper
Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.
By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.