U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Releases Update on Husky Energy Oil Refinery Explosion

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released an update into the investigation of an explosion at the Husky Energy oil refinery in Superior, Wisconsin that took place on April 26, 2018. In that explosion, 20 people were injured, one seriously. And an evacuation order was issued for more than 70 square miles of Superior, Wisconsin after the explosion because the plant uses a hazardous chemical. The evacuation order was lifted after several hours on the day of the explosion.

The CSB team arrived at the plant the same day, and interviewed employees. They also took photographs of a “large percentage” of the refinery. Husky Energy officials have been cooperating and have provided access and relevant information to investigators.

At the time of the explosion, the refinery was entering a 5-week maintenance turnaround. That means equipment was shut down so workers can open, inspect, and repair machinery as needed.

The explosion occurred in a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCC), and caused loss of containment of an asphalt tank. The flammable material in the tank then combusted. The FCC unit “cracks” heavy hydrocarbon molecules into smaller molecules. The team is reviewing documentation about the FCC unit and will conduct metallurgical testing.

A large amount of debris was created by the explosion. Investigators collected and stored that debris for future analysis.

Industrial explosions can cause devastating injuries to workers. Explosion injuries can range from crush injuries to brain damage to burn injuries. Some of these injuries can take years to heal. Medical bills can quickly climb, which adds to the stress on a family at this terrible time.

Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Eric Hageman have won multimillion dollar settlements for their clients who have been injured in workplace explosions. Call them for a free and confidential, no-obligation conversation about your case at 1-888-377-8900. We start to work immediately when we are hired and will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to protect your legal rights.

Source

U.S. Chemical Safety Board. “Husky Energy Oil Refinery Investigation Update.” CSB.gov, May 11, 2018.