Officials investigate Greenleaf explosion

EAST FLAT ROCK - Henderson County fire marshals and the N.C. Department of Labor are still investigating the cause of an explosion at Greenleaf Corp. on Tuesday.

The explosion happened at 3:15 p.m. at 761 Roper Road, where the Greenleaf Corporation makes ceramic cutting tools. Nucermet Inc. was the building's former occupant.

"The explosion occurred in a furnace or oven that the plant uses," said Kevin Waldrup, assistant fire marshal. "It was contained inside the oven and the fire was caused as a result of the explosion. We are not investigating the cause of the fire, but rather the cause of the explosion."

Department of Labor spokesman Juan Santos said his office opened an investigation Wednesday after being notified of the explosion.

"Generally, if a fatality occurred or if three or more workers are hospitalized the facility is required to notify us," Santos said.

Santos said once an investigation is opened by the Department of Labor it becomes confidential and no other information can be released at this time.

Three workers at the plant were inside at the time of the accident, but all were safely evacuated. There were no injuries.

The explosion involved the chemical hexane, which is made from crude oil used in laboratories and mixed with other chemicals to produce solvents.

Emergency workers evacuated anyone living within 1,000 feet of Greenleaf, but only warned those residents outside of the 1,000 feet and issued a voluntary evacuation.

Henderson County Emergency Management Coordinator Rocky Hyder said 15 percent of the Greenleaf building was burned and the fire was extinguished by 3:45 p.m.

While no one at Greenleaf would comment Wednesday about the explosion, a plant manager did reiterate that no one was injured in the explosion.

Waldrup said the investigation into the cause may be complete in two days.