Legal news for Washington employment attorneys. Officials revealed details surrounding the deadly Anacortes refinery explosion and fire.
Washington employment lawyers alert- An Anacortes, WA refinery explosion killed workers from Tesoro Corp.
Anacortes, WA—Details about the deadly refinery explosion that was felt as far as five miles away are being revealed. The April 2, 2010 explosion occurred around 12:40 and killed several crew members from the Tesoro Corp, as reported by KIROTV.
Federal investigators identified the deceased victims as Matthew C. Bowen, 31, of Arlington, Darrin J. Hoines, 43, of Ferndale and Daniel J. Aldridge, 50 of Anacortes. The workers were reportedly killed by a “firewall” that engulfed them. The other victims, Kathryn Powell, 29, and Donna Van Dreumel, 36, died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, due to their extensive burns. Matt Gumbel, 34, and Lew Janz, 41, are still hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) at a Seattle hospital. Gumbel has since been upgraded from critical to serious condition, while Janz is still in critical condition at Harborview.
Investigators with the U.S. Chemical Safety Board say the Tesoro crew had a scarce chance of survival after the fire ignited. The fire was reportedly extinguished in the catalytic unit for the naphtha unit of the refinery. Fire officials stated they are unsure how the fire started or how long it was ignited. The multiple fatality fire and blast is still under investigation.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Washington employment lawyers.
