A bleeder valve was left open during transport truck anhydrous ammonia delivery, causing a large amount of ammonia to enter and violently rupture an aluminum caged plastic Intermediate bulk container (IBC or tote) filled with water. The IBC/Tote rupture released ammonia and the delivery driver suffered fatal injuries and other workers, including a facility employee, a responding deputy sheriff, and a railroad worker required treatment for ammonia exposure.
Employee #1 was approximately 15 minutes into the unloading process when the “bleeder tank” attached to the #1 bulk storage tank’s bulkhead, exploded; releasing ammonia.
SAFTENG Members can also see investigation reports, run reports, and scene photos HERE.