Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 200352961 - Six employees died from combustible dust explosion

Accident Summary Nr: 200352961 -- Report ID: 0453710 -- Event Date: 01/29/2003
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
306139189	01/29/2003	3061	326291	West Pharmaceutical Services

Abstract: On January 29, 2003, combustible dust was ignited and caused an initial explosion in the Milling Room, which dislodged ceiling tiles, steel beams, and wall panels. The explosion created a large quantity of combustible dust in suspension, which was added fuel to the blast wave from the first explosion, creating a second and larger explosion that exited through the roof of the northeast tower section of the building. Employees #1, #2, and #3 were killed in the explosion and Employees #4, #5, and #6 died later from their injuries at the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

Keywords: EXPLOSION, COMBUSTIBLE DUST

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	306139189	Fatality	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
2	306139189	Fatality	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
3	306139189	Fatality	Fracture	Janitors and cleaners
4	306139189	Fatality	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Stock handlers and baggers
5	306139189	Fatality	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
6	306139189	Fatality	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Stock handlers and baggers

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