Second Man Dies After Explosion in Guthrie, KY

A second man has died as a result of an explosion at Quick Turn Anodizing in Guthrie, KY on January 18. Alex Wix, 21, of Westmoreland, TN died on January 23 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was receiving treatment for injuries he sustained in the blast.

Wix was the driver of the truck that was pumping chemical waste from the facility when the blast occurred. Witnesses told local media that just before 1 p.m., smoke or steam began to stream from the tank on the truck, and then the explosion occurred blowing the 500-pound tank through a wall of the plant killing Quick Turn employee Bryan Bonilla, 34, of Clarksville, TN.

Investigators said the explosion likely occurred after chemical waste mixed with used cooking oil in the tank, according to local media reports.

Benn Andrew Stahl, of Trenton, KY, a Guthrie city employee, was eating lunch at a nearby cafe when he saw the tank’s end cap blow open and went to see if he could help, according to WSMV4. He suffered serious burns when the tank exploded and was transported to Vanderbilt for treatment. He has since been released and is recovering at home.

Quick Turn President J. Lee Powell who was injured in the blast also received treatment at Vanderbilt and is recovering at home.

Experienced Explosion Lawyers

The explosion attorneys at the national law firm Pritzker Hageman represent people who have been injured in explosions and the families of those who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. For a free consultation with our experienced Explosion Team, please call 1-888-377-8900, send a text to 612-261-0856, or complete the form below.