State Police are investigating an explosion at Timet Corp., Caernarvon Township, Berks, that killed one worker and injured several others. The incident has been ruled an accident.
Jacob Lopez, 27, Ephrata, was pronounced deceased on scene at 12:22 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, by a Berks County Coroner.
The State Police Fire Marshal unit responded and assisted with an explosion investigation at Timet Corp., 900 Hemlock Road, at 10 p.m. on Friday, March 27.
On scene Friday night, Tom Kelly for Digital First Media, reported that “Elverson-Honeybrook medics transported several victims of the explosion at the Timet plant in Caernarvon Township late Friday night. Reports from the scene say one worker was killed and at least two others transported to Reading Trauma Center after an explosion inside the melt shop. Area residents heard the blast from several miles away. The company is located not far off Route 23 just west of Elverson near the Pennsylvania Turnpike.”
According State Police Reading Monday, March 30 report, “A boiler used in the process of utilizing Titanium for production purposes exploded,” reported Tropper Thomas Finn in the report.
According to the report, the boiler is about 20 to 25 feet in diameter with five to six foot high walls and a lid on top. Multiple employees were present in the area when the explosion occurred. There was damage to the building; damage estimate is unknown.
“The evidence to date indicates the explosion was accidental in nature and no criminal activity has been discovered,” reporters Trooper Finn. “The exact cause of the explosion and the reason for ignition is still under investigation.”
Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also conducting an investigation.
Police investigation continues.
On April 2, Timet closed the plant for the first time to attend the funeral services of Lopez.
