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.
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.
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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