GALLATIN, Tenn. – A worker critically injured in a flash fire at the Hoeganaes Plant in Gallatin has died from his injuries.
Vanderbilt Medical Center said Fred Tuttle passed away around 6 p.m. Thursday. Tuttle was one of three workers who were critically injured when the fire broke out on May 27. Rick Lester and Eric Hulsey passed away from their injuries in June.
Hoeganaes officials said it appears the fire was sparked by a gas leak. Two flash fires earlier this year were caused by a buildup of flammable metal dust. Two workers died from the fire in January.
The plant resumed partial production in June. The company said it has made improvements. However, U.S. Chemical Safety Board investigators have warned the company not to re-open until the plant is redesigned to prevent future explosions.
Related Stories:
