Accident: Isotec/Sigma Aldrich Nitric Oxide Explosion
Location: Location: Miami Township, OH
Accident Occurred On: 09/21/2003 | Final Report Released On: 08/24/2004
Accident Type: Chemical Manufacturing - Fire and Explosion
Investigation Status: CSB issued a case study report on this accident on August 24, 2004.
On September 21, 2003, a violent explosion destroyed an underground distillation tower at the Isotec chemical manufacturing plant in Miami Township, Ohio, injuring one worker. The explosion ruptured a carbon monoxide gas pipe and led to a precautionary evacuation of about 2000 residents. The Isotec facility manufactures rare forms of oxygen and nitrogen, known as stable isotopes, which are used in research and medicine.