Date: July 19, 2018
Location: Moerewa, Northland (New Zealand)
Address: 5923 State Highway 1, 0211
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Wood Dust
Industry: Meat Processing (Food Processing)
Equipment: Hopper
Company: AFFCO Moerewa
Previous Incidents: None Reported
Loss: One Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, AFFCO Moerewa was established in 1917. Today it is a full-service meat production plant processing ovine and bovine species. It has its own onsite blast freezing and cold storage operation, and operates a rendering plant which produces meat, bone meal, and tallow. During peak season times, it operates double shifts. The plant is fully halal approved and is approved for all major worldwide markets.
Description of Coal Dust Fire:
On July 20, 2018, nzherald.co.nz reported a coal hopper explosion and fire at a meat processing facility in Moerewa, New Zealand. The News Hub information resource said that a problem with a boiler may have sparked the blast.
One 31-year-old worker suffered serious burns to the top half of his body, including his face. A paramedic said a helicopter reached the man, who had been taken to the local hospital, and transported him to the National Burn Centre at Middlemore Hospital because of the severity of his burns.
Fire crews responded to the incident at 7:28 p.m. As of 9.30pm the fire had been put out, and crews were working to cool down a boiler. A reporter for nzherald.co.nz said there were no visible signs of smoke or fire damage from the road in front of the building.
According to the Stuff news agency, the plant was open for business, as usual, the next day. The company’s CFO said they were unable to comment until a full investigation had been completed.
Worksafe was notified of the incident and opened an investigation. There were no other injuries.
Sources:
Nzherald.co.nz
News Hub
Stuff
