MARION, Ind. (AP) — A chemical explosion Tuesday at a
General Motors metal-stamping plant in Indiana killed a contractor and
injured five other people, authorities said.
The blast killed James L. Gibson, 48, Grant County Coroner Stephen Dorsey said.
Marion
General Hospital was treating five other people with non-life
threatening injuries, hospital spokeswoman Ann Vermilion told the Marion
Chronicle-Tribune. However, GM issued a statement saying four employees
were under observation for non-life-threatening conditions at the
hospital and that four others were transported there, but required no
treatment.
"The situation is contained. Everybody has been evacuated," GM spokeswoman Stephanie Jentgen
said in a telephone interview,
The
explosion involved a chlorine dioxide tank, and the chemical continued
spilling out after the explosion, Marion Fire Chief Paul David said. A
hazardous materials crew contained the spill, and firefighters were
rinsing off the skin of everyone who may have come into contact with the
chemical. If inhaled, the chemical can cause lung problems and can
irritate the skin and eyes.
Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold went to the scene and talked with GM officials.
"This is heartbreaking for our community," Seybold said.
The GM statement said third-shift employees were expected to report to work at their normal times.
"The
safety of our employees is very important to us and an investigation of
the incident is under way. Counselors have been deployed to the site
and we will provide other employee services as needed," the statement
said.
The plant about 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis employs
about 1,600 workers and provides blanks, stampings and sheet metal
assembly for vehicles to GM assembly plants across North America,
according to GM’s website.
WRTV-TV reported that the Indiana
Department of Labor cited the plant in December 2009 for a single
serious safety violation. The plant paid a penalty of $845 and completed
an abatement requirement. The plant has not had any violations since.