Last week, an early morning explosion at the Norplex Laminates manufacturing plant in Postville, Iowa injured three employees and caused an estimated $5-7 million in damages. One of the injured employees was reportedly standing near a machine that exploded and had to be airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics located in Iowa City.
While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation with the State Fire Marshal, the incident has been deemed accidental. Fire officials believe employees were cleaning equipment at the time of the explosion.
According to Postville Fire Chief Jeffery Bohr, the facility’s sprinkler system helped to contain fires caused by the explosion. Building personnel and officials also shut down natural gas valves and boilers to help keep the fire under control. In addition, according to Allamakee County emergency management coordinator, Chris Dahlstrom, the facility was specifically designed so that if something were to falter, the fire would go up through the roof.
At this time, there are no updates regarding the critically injured employee.