Propane Tank Causes Explosion at Seattle Recycler

The Seattle, Wash., fire department reports that an explosion at a Seattle metals recycling facility was caused by a propane tank inadvertently placed into a metal shredder. Damage was estimated at around $175,000, according to a report by the Seattle Fire Department.

The explosion took place April 22 at Independent Metal Recycling in Seattle. Representatives from Independent Metals Recycling told firefighters that ten employees were inside the building when the explosion occurred. Paramedics treated two employees for minor injuries and one patient was transported to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation.

When firefighters entered the structure with hose lines, they found that the automatic sprinkler system had extinguished any fire. A hazardous materials crew monitored the air quality before anyone was allowed back in the building. Despite debris from fallen ceiling tiles and fiberglass windows firefighters determined that the building was structurally sound.