Video Released of Deadly Explosion Inside Hudson Valley Plant
Officials announced the cause of the deadly explosion at a Hudson Valley plant and released video. (The video is below)
Following in investigation into the fire at Verla International in New Windsor the Orange County Fire Investigation Unit ruled the explosion an accident.
“Investigators have determined that the fire began when static electricity caused the ignition of an ignitable liquid (hexamethyldisiloxane). This occurred during the manufacturing process when an employee was wiping excess product in the batch room,” Orange County Deputy Commissioner of Fire Services Vini Tankasali said in a press release.”
The explosion occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Monday November 20. New Windsor police heard an explosion coming from the area of Temple Hill Road. Arriving officers found smoke coming from Verla International located at 463 Temple Hill Road.
Around 10:40 a.m., first responders were met by a second explosion inside the factory.
The explosions killed 57-year-old William Huntington of Newburgh, a Verla employee and injured over 125 people.
“Bill was a valued employee and we at Verla are sorry to his friends and family for their loss," Verla International said in a press release.
Among the injured were seven Newburgh firefighters.
Around 250 people work at the 52,000 square foot facility. The cosmetic manufacturing plant makes mainly nail polish and perfume, which are alcohol-based.
According to ABC, the factory had 12 open OSHA violations; half that were are considered serious violations.
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