OSHA to investigate Colorado school explosion
03 August 2012
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation into an explosion that injured three people at Erie Middle School in Erie, Colorado, on August 1. Three people were injured in the blast, which caused part of the gymnasium roof to collapse.
One of the victims remains in critical condition, one is in serious condition and one was treated and released from a hospital. No students or teachers were in the building at the time of the explosion.
Initial reports from fire investigators indicate the explosion happened when a plumbing contractor, working on a school reconstruction project, was lighting a hot water heater in a machine room above the gym. It was the first time the gas pipe had been turned on following refurbishment, according to local fire protection officials.
Of the three people injured, two are contractors and one is a school district employee.