Similiar Incidents Across The Country

July 18, 2007

by Chris Durden

The explosion at Barton Solvents in Valley Center displaced thousands of people and sent emergency crews into disaster mode. However, this is not the first time an incident like this has happened.

Eyewitness News has compiled information on similar incidents in recent years. We've also looked into how communities across the country responded.

When: February 7, 2007

Where: ChemCentral facility in Kansas City, MO

What: plant fire & explosion

Why: accidental: employees were offloading a petroleum-based product

Injuries: several employees hurt; no deaths

Impact: nearby homes damaged: melted siding and burnt roofs; people displaced for several days

Government Reports:

http://www.epa.gov/region7/cleanup/chemcentral/chemcentral_summary.pdf

http://www.marc.org/newsreleases/kcmo020907.htm

When: January 31, 2006

Where: Synthron Inc. plant in Morganton, NC

What: plant explosion & fire

Why: leaky chemical reactor

Injuries: 13 hurt; 1 killed

Impact: 300 fish dead in nearby river

Local Coverage:

http://www.wfmynews2.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=56423

Government Report:

http://www.chemsafety.gov/index.cfm?folder=current_investigations&page=info&INV_ID=58

When: November 22, 2006

Where: CAI/Arnel Chemical Plant Explosion in Danvers, MA

What: plant explosion & fire

Why: under investigation

Injuries: several people hospitalized; no deaths

Impact: homes & businesses destroyed

Local Coverage:

http://wbztv.com/topstories/local_story_326060222.html

Government Report:

http://www.chemsafety.gov/index.cfm?folder=current_investigations&page=info&INV_ID=68

When: July 28, 2005

Where: Valley Solvents & Chemicals in Fort Worth, TX

What: plant explosion & fire

Why: workers had been unloading methanol from an 18-wheeler

Injuries: 3 hurt; no deaths

Impact: nearby businesses evacuated

Local Coverage:

http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou050728_mh_ftworthfire.1b4ea8de.html

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