The Orange County Fire Investigation Unit has determined that static electricity caused a flammable liquid to ignite inside Verla International in New Windsor on November 20. The cause has been ruled an accident. The chemical involved was hexamethyldisiloxane.
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The explosion took place during the manufacturing process when a worker was wiping excess product in the batch room. This is what is seen in the video:
Raw video: Plant explosioin in New Windsor
The worker in the video only suffered minor injuries and was able to escape. Another worker, a 57-year-old man, died inside the factory.
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The explosion sparked a massive fire and second explosion that spewed thick, black smoke into the air and prompted emergency officials to order a shelter-in-place. More than 100 people were treated at nearby hospitals for injuries after the fire.
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