NEW WINDSOR – Operations
have resumed in areas of the Verla International facility in New Windsor
that were not damaged by the fire and explosions that occurred on November
20.
One worker was killed and over 100 others sustained injuries when a spark
caused by static electricity resulted in an explosion and fire.
“Our efforts to rebuild and resume full operations will proceed
promptly, but only as fast as permitted by the various federal, state
and local agencies that have authority over the situation,” said
company spokeswoman MaryEllen Bohren.
She said the company is “working closely with investigators and
reviewing all of our safety protocols and procedures with our employees.”
Last May the company hired an outside electrician to “ensure the
appropriate grounding was in place throughout our facility and at that
time we also reinforced our safety procedures with our current employees,”
Bohren said.
On Monday morning, she said a fire suppression system alarm was triggered,
set off by a surge in water pressure coming from outside the facility.
“The alarm worked exactly as it was intended to, and at no time
was anyone at the facility in danger,” she said, noting the alarm
was in no way related to the November 20th fire at Verla.
