Chemical Plant Explosion Injures Seven

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of an explosion last Tuesday that sent seven Sun Chemical workers to area hospitals, including three who were treated at a regional burn center, The Bergen Record reported.

Employees of US Ink, owned by Sun Chemical, were working with a chemical mixture that makes newspaper ink when a carbon compound ignited around 1:15 p.m., the newspaper reported. It caused an explosion and fire in ductwork that was quickly extinguished by firefighters, but not before causing first- and second-degree burns to the workers.

At no time was the general public or the environment at risk for contamination or impact, the paper said, quoting Sun Chemical and fire authorities. While the cause of the explosion and fire has not been determined, an assistant fire chief told the Record it did not appear to be caused by human error.