Date: May 2, 2018
Location: Changhua County (Taiwan)
Address: Unknown
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Aluminum/Magnesium
Industry: Metalworking (Bicycle Manufacturing)
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Unknown
Previous Incidents: Unknown
Loss: 10 Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Description of Metal Dust Explosion Incident:
On May 2, 2018 the Asia Times reported an Aluminum and Magnesium metal dust explosion in Changhua County, Taiwan. The explosion was reported to have occurred at a bike parts manufacturing facility. Aluminum and magnesium powder accumulated in a 10 square meter area in the facility and was ignited by a spark which caused the explosion.
Ten workers were injured in the metal dust explosion ranging from moderate to severe burns. Five of the workers are in severe or critical condition suffering burns between 30 and 100 percent of their bodies. The remaining five workers suffered 3-7 percent burns. The workers were transported to the Changhua Christian Hospital.
Location of the Incident:
There is some confusion in the reported location of the explosion. The Asia Times reports that the factory was located in Section 3 on Zhongshan Road. However, this location is in the municipality of New Taipei City. The injured were transported to Changhua Christian Hospital which is almost a two hour drive according to google maps.
Furthermore, the Changhua Country Fire Brigade responded to the explosion which was said to occur in central Taiwan (New Taipei City is in the north). From reviewing the National Fire Agency information for Taiwan, there appear to be other departments that would of responded to Section 3 on Zhongshan Road. It is currently unclear, but appears that the explosion occurred in Changhua County.
Is This a Repeat Issue?
On November 1, 2015 Focus Taiwan reported on an explosion at a bicycle factory in Changhua County. Six workers were injured, two of which had life-threatening injuries. Further information is not available on that incident or its relation to the current 2018 explosion.
A search for bicycle manufacturing companies in Changhua County, Taiwan brings up a long list. The main companies indicated by google include Dorcus, Giant, Tektro Technology Corporation, and the Universal Speed Group. Searches into all four companies could not find any information on combustible dust fires or explosions, and it is unclear whether they were involved in the 2014 or 2018 metal dust explosions.
Related Companies: None
Sources:
Asia Times
Taiwan National Fire Agency
Focus Taiwan
Keywords: Metal Dust Explosion, Bicycle Manufacturing
