FOX 4 WFTX - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples News, WeatherExplosion at Bonita Springs utilities plant
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The late afternoon explosion left the Executive Director of the Bonita Springs Utilities struggling for words, and three of his employees, and a vendor, with burn and inhalation injuries.
"These are all around great guys, hardworking guys, and this was just a fluke accident," said Fred Partin, as he choked back tears, and had to walk away from the camera.
Officials say the explosion happened when employees were checking waste water levels at a new meter. They describe it as a "flash fire", which is similar to what happens when you light a gas grill.
"They shut the lid, which cut off the oxygen supply, and the fire went out," said Partin of how fast it all happened.
"This could have been a catastrophe," said Debbi Redfield, a spokesperson with Bonita Fire Rescue. Three employees of the utility suffered burns, and injuries, one of them with serious, but non life threatening injuries. The vendor, who suffered chemical inhalation, did not go to the hospital.
Utility officials blame the fire on methane gas, which they say is common in the waste water system. They also say they do take steps to ventilate the gas. They will investigate the cause of the explosion, which happened at a new meter, with the help of Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
"We believe that's the proper authority to advise us, and that's the right way to go of it," said Partin. For now he says what's most important is taking care of of his men, who's names will not be released to protect their privacy.
CHRISTINA BAILEY, REPORTER
cbailey@fox4now.com
