Explosion at Belvidere, IL, Factory Leads to One Fatality

Debris from an unexpected explosion at a Belvidere, IL, factory killed a truck driver yesterday at a roadside oasis nearly a quarter mile away from the facility. Ronald Greenfield, a 63 year old driver from Chesterton, IN, was fatally wounded when an explosion at a crystal manufacturing facility sent exterior panels flying through the air. The explosion occurred at the NDK America plant which manufactures crystals used in liquid crystal displays. The facility was constructed with special exterior panels designed to break away during an explosion. The panels did exactly that as one flew nearly a quarter mile before striking the accident victim.

Belvidere Fire Chief David Worrell reports that the blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. in a highly pressurized chamber where crystals are made. The breakaway design of the factory sent one piece of exterior panel spanning several feet through the air before it struck Mr. Greenfield. Witnesses of the explosion claim that the blast felt similar to an earthquake. One factory worker that was inside the building escaped the workplace accident unharmed. The explosion is still under investigation by the Belvidere Police Department, the Boone County Sheriff, and the State Fire Marshall.

The family of the explosion victim may have a claim against the crystal manufacturing outfit for the loss that they have suffered. If you have any questions about fatal workplace accidents or would otherwise like to speak to an attorney, contact Klest Injury Law Firm.