GREENVILLE, Mich. — Public safety officials have determined what caused last week's explosion at Dicastal. One employee was severely burned in the explosion, which occurred in the building’s foundry area the night of Friday, March 17.
Sparks flew from a hand grinder during machine repairs, causing nearby aluminum dust to catch fire and trigger the explosion, according to the Greenville Department of Public Safety (GDPS).
The fire was extinguished using "dry chemicals" due to the dangerous effects water can have on magnesium, Sgt. Steve DeWitt explained. Dicastal manufactures aluminum alloy wheels for the auto industry, according to its website, but at the facility they also use solid magnesium in some processes.
The injured employee is showing daily signs of improvement, GDPS adds.
“Having a comprehensive, independent investigation by the outside parties yielded the determination of an accidental incident on Friday night,” says Interim Director Brian Blomstrom. “We appreciate the partnerships involved as we moved forward with the origin and cause examination and determination, and the collaboration between everyone assisting with determining what happened in a very quick, professional manner.”
Meanwhile, another agency is looking into the explosion at Dicastal. On Wednesday, FOX 17 learned the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation into potential violations in relation to the explosion.
MIOSHA said the work could take several weeks or months.
Complaints have already been filed against Dicastal for health and safety issues. MIOSHA's website shows the manufacturing facility already notched eight violations. The most recent was filed in April and documents a need to address machinery that could cause amputation.
In 2019, Dicastal had a few other violations. One violation, dated in October, was reported the day after a fire at the plant.
The list continues in August, with two violations on the same day. No further information about these violations is available, besides being coded for health and safety violations.
According to MIOSHA records, the earliest known violation was March 2019, with a complaint described as a health violation. Dicastal paid around $27,000, and the cases are closed.
FOX 17 did speak briefly with a Dicastal representative on Thursday and continues to wait for a response from Dicastal about further plans to keep employees safe.
READ MORE: Greenville reacts after another fire extinguished at Dicastal factory
