Cause of Explosion at Commercial Explosives Plant Identified

McArthur, Ohio Explosives investigators from the ATF and State Fire Marshall's office have narrowed down the cause of Tuesdays blast that injured 10 workers at the Austin Powder Red Diamond explosives manufacturing plant. The investigation revealed that a partially filled spool of detonating cord exploded when the cord broke during the manufacturing process.

The blast blew part off part of the roof and a wall in the facility which employees nearly 200 workers. The plant located 60 miles SE of Columbus is made up of a dozen or so buildings that were built as far back as the 1930s. The plant manufactures commercial explosives for the UXO, mining, and construction industries.