2006 Danvers Chemical fire

Cause

A May 13, 2008 report from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) attributed the explosion to a heated ink-mixing tank containing flammable solvents that was unintentionally left on overnight. The CSB stated that the accident could have been prevented with a simple alarm system or automatic shutoff.

Damage

Although no one was killed in the blast, it damaged over 90 homes, broke windows and separated buildings from their foundations. Officials believed that some of the more damaged structures would have to be demolished and rebuilt. Damage to businesses included a bakery, boats at a nearby marina, and New England Homes for the Deaf, an assisted-living facility for people who are deaf, deafblind, elderly, or otherwise require constant care. "These people are extremely fragile," said state Rep. Ted Speliotis (D-Danvers), whose district includes the affected area. "Many of them have Alzheimer's and other illnesses. It's clear they can't stay here long, but it's clear they won't be able to return for quite a while."

Danvers Fire Chief James P. Tutko described the area as looking like "a war zone." He stated that many residents would be kept from their homes for the foreseeable future. Remarking on the lack of fatalities, Tutko said, "Somebody out there likes us."

Outgoing governor Mitt Romney toured the area and said it was a "Thanksgiving miracle" that no one was killed, as the explosion was "equivalent to a 2,000 lb bomb going off in a residential neighborhood." In an area that included over 300 residents, 10 people reported minor injuries. Residents of the area were evacuated to Danvers High School, where temporary shelter was set up by the Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross. Donations were taken for residents affected by the explosion. Residents were also advised to start filing insurance claims right away and to keep track of their expenses.

Environmental impact

There were minor environmental concerns due to water runoff of chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's on-scene coordinator Mike Nalipinski, preliminary tests showed low levels of the solvent toluene, but said it was insignificant. Water runoff from the water used by firefighters left a purple sheen on the river and tests were conducted. However, the water is not a local drinking water supply, and the chemical evaporates quickly. Chief Tutko said there was no risk of toxic fumes getting into the air.

An Eastern Propane facility is located near the area, but was not the source of the explosion. A spokesman for the company said that although the property suffered some minor damage, their tanks are secure.

According to WHDH television, a person who answered the telephone at CAI's Georgetown, Massachusetts, headquarters refused comment, and a telephone message left at the company president's home was not returned.

References

References

1. (23 November 2006). "Blasts heard for 20 miles".
2. "Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board report".
3. Writer, GLEN JOHNSON Associated Press. "Explosion heard over 20 miles away destroys homes in Danvers".
4. Writer, Glen Johnson Associated Press. (2006-11-23). "'It looks like a war zone' About 90 homes damaged, but only minor injuries reported".