Explosion at Wood Pellets Receiving Port
An explosion occurred at a wood pellets receiving port as a vessel was unloading. All safety equipment operated as expected during the event with seven explosion panels lifting and requiring replacement.
The most likely cause of the explosion was from tramp metal in the wood pellet shipment. Tramp metal was recovered in the cargo and discharge magnets. A charred 70mm bolt was removed from the Continuous Ship Unloader (CSU) after the explosion and is cited as the cause of the incident.
There were no serious worker injuries but one worker was shaken by the explosion.
WPAC Safety Alert – Explosion at Wood Pellets Receiving Port