Indiana OSHA is investigating a chemical explosion that killed one contractor and injured several other workers Tuesday afternoon at a General Motors stamping plant in Marion, Ind.
GM evacuated the plant after the explosion, which killed 48-year-old James Gibson.
Marion Fire Chief Paul David told the Associated Press that the explosion involved a chlorine dioxide tank, and that the chemical continued spilling out after the blast. According to the Associated Press report:
A hazardous materials crew contained the spill, and firefighters were rinsing off the skin of everyone who may have come into contact with the chemical. If inhaled, the chemical can cause lung problems and can irritate the skin and eyes.
Located about 60 miles north of Indianapolis, GM’s Marion Metal Center employs about 1,600 people and provides blanks, stampings and sheet-metal assembly to other GM factories.