Date: December 12, 2018
Location: Union Township, Pennsylvania (USA)
Address: 207 Frenz Drive, 16101
Type: Potential Dust Explosion
Fuel: Metal Dust
Industry: Metalworking (Manufacturing)
Equipment: Furnace
Company: Kennametal Alloys
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Kennametal Alloys was founded in 1938 and specializes in the manufacturing of metalworking tools, mining equipment, construction equipment, and powdered materials. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in more than 60 countries. It has a $30-million Technology Center in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and complementary facilities in various locations around the globe.
Incident Description:
On December 13, 2018, WFMJ 21 reported an explosion at a metalworking company in Union Township, Pennsylvania. The area fire chief told the press that he heard the sound of the blast from his home nearly half a mile away.
Fire crews from several Lawrence County fire departments responded to the incident, which occurred in a furnace just before 11:00 p.m. By the time they arrived, employees had the fire under control.
No one was seriously injured, although one of six employees working at the time was forced to the ground by the explosion. However, there was some damage to the furnace.
The cause of the explosion and fire are under investigation.
Sources:
WFMJ 21
