News

Federal Investigators Now Looking into Fatal Gas Leak at Baileyville Paper Mill

Federal Investigators Now Looking into Fatal Gas Leak at Baileyville Paper Mill

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Federal agencies are now investigating a fatal gas leak at a Baileyville paper mill last month that killed a 20-year-old man and injured nine other workers.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) says it’s looking into the company’s chemical handling practices, safety systems, and emergency response actions.

The gas leak at the Woodland Pulp, LLC facility resulted in the death of Kasie Malcolm, a student at the University of Maine who was an intern at the paper mill.

One of the nine other injured people remains hospitalized.

According to CSB, the incident may have involved the mixing of concentrated sulfuric acid with sulfurous compounds in an enclosed process sewer. The agency says the mixing could have resulted in the generation and release of hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas, in the Bleach Plant area of the facility.

A team of CSB investigators already has been deployed to the incident scene.

The Press Herald reports the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has also initiated its own investigation into the incident.

The CSB does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations.

Latest Headlines

3 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds

A pair of African distance runners took down what was once among the most unthinkable records in sports on Sunday, shattering the long-unapproachable two-hour barrier in the 26.2-mile (42.2-kilometer) marathon.

17 hours ago in Local

Moderate Fire Conditions Present in Maine

Most of the state is under moderate fire danger.

18 hours ago in Local

Kennebunkport Police Report String of Car Thefts, Burglaries

Officers are calling the incidents "crimes of opportunity," as unlocked cars or visible belongings are easy targets.

1 day ago in Local

Brewer man arrested for hit and run crash in Bangor

48-year-old David Harris was arrested by police this morning on multiple charges, including operating without a license.

2 days ago in Local

Deadly House Fire in Hiram Claims a Life

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene of a deadly house fire in Hiram. Crews…