"Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and then seeing smoke....."

Long ago hazards unique to our industry were only known to us. It is not that we tried to hide the hazard or deny that they existed. Many in our industry would acknowledge a hazard regardless of local, or federal government regulations. Then overtime explosions would occur and the news media would report it. Many times these incidents would only be carried in the local news media. No more. Social media can turn a small local story into an international story in a few hours. Here is a recent incident that made news internationally.

Local Fire Service have released an official statement following an explosion in Europe on night during the week of August 11, 2019.

There were reports from nearby residents and beyond hearing a loud bang in the early evening. It was felt as far away 10-25 kilometers.

Local Police later confirmed that the explosion originated at the aluminium powder plant, which had already been heavily speculated on social media. The plant produces aluminum powder used in a variety of materials including chemicals, pastes, pyrotechnics and powder metallurgy.

We reported last night that a number of emergency service vehicles were in attendance, an air ambulance.

The Fire Service have since confirmed that four fire crews were mobilised at 6pm to the industrial works site. These consisted of two crews from the town itself as well as crew from surrounding communities.

A spokesperson revealed that the resulting fire was confined to a hopper at the site. They further confirmed that "all persons at the works were safely accounted for" and "there were no casualties requiring treatment at the scene." Two men have however since made their own way to hospital with reported minor injuries.

The spokesperson added that the fire is expected to smoulder for "some time" and is being kept under surveillance by a site engineers. Fire crews will return to the location periodically to reinspect the site, though they reassured that "there is no danger to the public."

There are also reports that an investigation has already begun into the explosion, though this has yet to be confirmed. The rapid response of the emergency services involved in last night's rippling explosion has since been praised by locals.

The local resident said: "Thanks to the emergency services for responding so promptly. "Excellent news that nobody is injured."

We pray that the injured workers recover fully from their injuries. We know nothing regarding their injuries other than they are “minor” in nature. Which means nothing to us. We know of an incident where a worker was pinned against a wall by a stack of aluminium t-bar. The worker suffered serious injuries and the aluminium plant listed the injuries as a “contusion/bruise”. So we learned long ago, to pray for any injured worker no matter the seriousness of their injury.  

If this incident occurred at night, there would be limited coverage. But, because it occurred during the day the photo of the aluminium oxide billowing from the plant made news. From Twitter, Facebook, etc. the photos of the explosion were shared and liked by thousands.

We are not familiar with the production of aluminium powder. We will contact our industry contacts and comment later.

Please comment.