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CTA Acoustics Dust Explosion and Fire

Location: Corbin, KY
February 20, 2003
Accident Type: Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire

INVESTIGATION INFORMATION

CTA Acoustics Dust Explosion and Fire

Accident Description

On February 20, 2003, an explosion and fire damaged the CTA Acoustics manufacturing plant in Corbin, Kentucky, fatally injuring seven workers. The facility produced fiberglass insulation for the automotive industry. CSB investigators have found that the explosion was fueled by resin dust accumulated in a production area, likely ignited by flames from a malfunctioning oven. The resin involved was a phenolic binder used in producing fiberglass mats.


Investigation Status

The Board approved the final report on this investigation at a public meeting in London, Kentucky, on February 15, 2005. The report will be available on this web page in the near future.

Investigation Video

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Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard
July 28, 2009
Dust from industrial processes can become the fuel for devastating explosions. Read More

Investigation Photos

Aerial view of Imperial Sugar following 2008 dust explosion and fire
Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard
Board Commends the Kentucky Office of Housing, Buildings, and Construction, Says New Combustible Dust Inspection Program "Exceeds Recommended Action" from Investigation of Fatal 2003 Explosion
Chemical Safety Board Investigation Finds CTA Acoustics Explosion Caused by Dust Hazard That Was Known to Management, Phenolic Resin Supplier
Board to Release Final Report and Safety Recommendations from 2003 CTA Acoustics Dust Explosion at Feb. 15 Public Meeting in London, Kentucky
One Year after Tragedy, CSB Investigation Focuses on Ignition Source, Hazard Awareness in CTA Acoustics Accident
Preliminary Findings Indicate Combustible Dust, Likely Ignited by a Malfunctioning Oven, Caused Fatal CTA Explosion
CSB Investigation Team To Return To Corbin (KY) Explosion Site Next Week

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