One Killed, Two Injured after an Explosion at an Indiana Recycling Facility

One person was killed and two others were injured Dec. 14, 2010 at Green Tech Transfer and Recycling, South Bend, Ind., after welding materials sparked a small explosion in a machine shop at the facility.

The man killed was identified as 45-year-old Jonathan Atkinson. Two other people suffered burns and smoke inhalation during the explosion and small fire that resulted.

The South Bend fire department estimates damage to the building and materials to be around $10,000. The exact cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation. However, published reports indicate that Atkinson was performing welding work on a tank that exploded.

Green Tech is cooperating fully with the local police, fire and IOSHA (Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration) along with other agencies “to help in continuing to provide a safe work place for our workers and assist the most important people, our workers, dealing with this tragic loss,” the company says in a statement.

Green Tech had two critical stress counselors on site immediately following the accident and will have them available as needed, “to each and every one of our work family to help them through this very stressful time,” the company says.

The company says in a statement, “Even though our goal is always ‘be safe and work safe,’ sometimes an accident can occur.”

“Many thanks to the trained workers that responded to the aid of their fellow worker, your assistance helped to reduce the injuries to your fellow worker. You are all brave heroes,” the statement continues.