Two Workers Die in S.C. Plant Explosion

March 15, 2000
Explosion at South Carolina paper plant causes deaths of two workers Tuesday.

Two workers in Rock Hill, S.C., were killed when sparks from a welding torch ignited fumes and caused a tank to explode outside a Bowater Inc. paper plant Tuesday, the company said.

Seven other workers suffered minor injuries, said Mike Channell, a York County Emergency Management spokesman. The explosion happened at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the plant, according to The Associated Press.

Frank L. Pittman, 57, of Chester and Danny Sherer, 49, of Rock Hill were killed, Coroner Doug McKown said. Officials said both were contract employees with SW&B of Augusta, Maine.

Pittman and Sherer were welding pipes onto the top of a tank that contained several undetermined byproducts of the pulpmaking process, Channell said. The injured workers, who were employed by the same contractor, were on the ground.

The deaths were the first at the plant in more than 10 years, company spokesman Barre Mitchell said. "We have started a thorough accident investigation," Mitchell said. The contractor is offering counseling to the victims' families.

Most of the plant continued to operate Tuesday, Mitchell said, but engineers must inspect the building nearest the explosion before it can reopen. At least 50 of the plant's 1,150 workers were evacuated, but Channell said that was mostly to get them out of the way of emergency crews.

Sponsored Recommendations

Navigating ESG Risk in Your Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover the role of ESG in supply chains, from reducing carbon footprints to complying with new regulations and enhancing long-term business value.

Understanding ESG Risks in the Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Understand the critical role of ESG in supply chains, the risks for hiring companies, and the competitive edge suppliers gain by prioritizing sustainability.

Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Risk

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover how to effectively manage subcontractor risk with unified strategies, enhanced oversight, and clear communication for consistent safety and compliance.

Building a Culture of Support: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace

Sept. 26, 2024
Find best practices for setting up an organizational culture that promotes positive mental health and suicide prevention.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!