Emergency Management

CSB to Investigate Utah Refinery Explosion

Jan. 14, 2009

A Jan. 12 explosion at the Silver Eagle Refinery in Woods Cross, Utah, injured four workers and prompted a four-member team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) to investigate the cause of the incident.

Laura Walter

The blast involved a tank containing flammable hydrocarbons. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the four workers were standing approximately 10 feet from the gas tank when it exploded. A nearby shed’s walls reportedly were blown off in the explosion.

The four employees suffered severe burn injuries. One worker is in critical condition; three others are in serious condition.

The investigation team will be led by CSB Investigator Supervisor Donald Holmstrom and is expected to arrive at the scene the afternoon of Jan. 14.

Silver Creek Refinery processes 10,500 barrels of gasoline per day. The refinery is located north of Salt Lake City.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.