Possible cause identified in blast
NEWPORT, Wash. — Eleven people are recovering from injuries received from an explosion that put an end to operations at the Zodiac Aerospace plant in Newport on Tuesday.
Although unknown initially, first responders learned that a Pre-Preg Treater machine was believed to have caused the explosion, according to a Pend Oreille County Sheriff press release.
The machine is used to make material for aircraft interiors in the plant, which employed 85.
The blast occurred shortly before 9 p.m. and caused one floor to collapse on top of another, windows shattered and doors were blown off their hinges.
Residents on the scene said they heard the blast from as far as a mile away.
Shortly after the explosion a chemical odor was detected in the area. Due to the odor an evacuation of 1,000 feet was implemented. A nearby McDonald’s, Tesoro fueling station and several homes on the eastside of the facility were evacuated.
The evacuation was lifted at 3 a.m. after investigators determined the chemical oder had dissipated over time and no longer posed a risk to the public.
Chemicals including acetone and alcohol were believed to be on site and although a hazardous materials team from Spokane was dispatched, they were recalled before arriving.
Of the 15 employees working at the time 11 were treated for injuries. Becky Hogue, 45 of Newport, Marla Chute, 51 of Newport, and Rebekah Chaney, 21 of Oldtown, were treated and released at Newport Hospital.
Two employees were transported via life flight to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.
Linda Bergerson, 68 of Oldtown, was listed in serious condition and Christina Giannone, 33 of Newport, was listed in stable condition.
Newport Administrator and Building Official Ray King estimated the explosion caused $1 million in damages to the plant.
“From what I understand with the damage to the building and its contents, the business is a total loss. It was pretty horrific,” Newport City Mayor Shirley Sands added. “You have injury to employees and loss of employment brought to the city of Newport. There are not a lot of jobs out there and now it’s even harder on those who had their lives changed in an instant last night.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, Zodiac is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aircraft interiors to airplane manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. The Newport plant is part of Zodiac’s “cabin and structures” division and makes components for cabin interiors.
In a statement released on Wednesday the company said, “Our first thoughts go to our five colleagues who have been injured in the accident and to tall the personnel and families of our employees in Newport.”
The release went on to state, “the cause of the explosion is not known and will be investigated both internally as well as with local and government officials. Zodiac Aerospace will fully support the inquiry. The assessment of the consequences of this explosion is under way.”