Date: September 7, 2023
Location: Heaters, West Virginia (USA)
Address: US-19, 26627
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Charcoal Dust
Industry: Charcoal Processing (Coal Handling)
Equipment: Storage Container
Company: Braxton Lumber Company
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: One Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
Braxton Lumber Company does not appear to have a website, but its Facebook profile states that it has been producing quality hardwood products since 1984. The Heaters location is now used for charcoal processing.
Incident Description:
On September 7, 2023, WSAZ 3 reported an explosion at a charcoal processing facility in Heaters, West Virginia.
The explosion took place at around 8:15 a.m. The Assistant Fire Marshal stated that one worker was involved in a “biochar” charcoal method when the explosion occurred in a container, causing its door to open and injure him. He has chest and arm injuries from the incident and is critically ill in a Pittsburgh hospital.
A Safety Officer for the local fire department mentioned he saw flames of 10-12 feet at the site. He noted the fire was near a lumber pile and resembled a “backdraft.”
The cause of the explosion is unclear, but it’s considered accidental. OSHA will finish the investigation.
Sources:
WSAZ 3
