Chemical plant explosion
A series of explosions rock DrillChem, an oil field chemical supply company in Conroe, about 40 miles north of Houston, setting off a fire that has a broad, dense column of thick, black smoke. DrillChem says no one was in the plant at the time. Authorities says no one was injured in the explosions or blaze. Firefighters take about two hours to bring the fire under control. Residents up to 2 miles from the fire site are told to remain indoors. By nightfall, the alert is reduced to a half-mile radius before being lifted completely about 7:30 p.m. DrillChem CEO:
The facility was empty at the time of the fire and we are thankful that no injuries have been reported. We are working closely with local authorities to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
Explosion video
A witness captures a huge explosion at a petrochemical plant in east China’s Shandong province on Thursday. Reports say that more than 200 firefighters and 40 fire trucks are battling the fire after tanks containing liquefied hydrocarbon leaked and caused the blast. The plant is situated in Rizhao.
CDC security failures
A report shows CDC fails to prevent power outages between January 2013 and July 2014, leading to staff evacuation to prevent pathogen exposure. The report indicates one incident in Building 23 of Atlanta, Georgia where a lightning strike lead to airflow failures, the inability to open hallway doors, and loss of phone communication. The report also includes instances of worker pathogen exposure by needles, maintenance workers opening doors to restricted areas, and malfunctions in gear that protect scientists from pathogens. However, the report lacks comprehensive details. Biosafety Consultant:
This is not a comprehensive list. I look at these documents, and it’s very clear to me that leadership has not defined for the workforce what is a reportable incident or accident.
Colorado Representative:
It is unacceptable that the CDC, our nation’s premier institution committed to preventing the spread of infectious disease, has not resolved these problems after years of oversight and attention. It is more vital than ever that the CDC, from leadership on down, commit to a strategy that will prevent future lapses in safety.
Mine collapses
Guyana gold mine collapses and buries ten miners, injures at least seven. The inured are being treated in area hospitals. Official:
Recent heavy rains have made the work especially treacherous. [The] organization has been working to persuade operators to provide adequate support for the mud walls but said many disregard those precautions.