US Plant Explosions Kill One, Injure Eleven

(Stock Picture)Three explosions at industrial plants across the US resulted in a number of casualties. A series of explosions killed one man and injured several more at the Brent Industries plant in Brent, Alabama. Up to a half-dozen other workers received chemical burns and were taken to nearby hospitals after the explosions.

Though it is still unknown what caused the explosions at the recycling plant, police said none of the chemicals involved in the fires were a threat to the local  community.

Two people were critically injured in a water tank explosion at the Minsa corn processing plant in Muleshoe, near Lubbock, Texas. A third employee suffered less serious injuries.

In January the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations against Minsa and cited the company for 33 serious violations, including exposing workers to electric shock, with a proposed penalty totalling $151,200.

Three employees were also injured in an explosion and fire at the Corbion Caravan flour processing plant in Grandview, Missouri.

According to local sources, the explosion happened in a room containing piles of flour. There were six people working in the area of the packaging floor when the blast occurred. Three employees suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital.

OSHA has opened investigations into all three incidents.