By OGJ Editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 28 -- New Jersey-based Able Energy Inc. reported a Mar. 14 explosion and fire at its Newton, NJ, facility. Employees escaped serious injury, but the accident destroyed an office building and damaged 18 company vehicles and neighboring properties.
"Fortunately, due to the immediate response by employees at the site, a quick evacuation of all personnel occurred prior to the explosion, preventing any serious injuries," Able Energy said in a news release.
The preliminary results of the company's investigation indicate that the explosion was an accident stemming from a combination of human error and mechanical malfunction.
An Able Propane LLC employee failed to follow the company's operating procedures while loading a delivery truck with propane, the company said.
On Friday, state, county, and local officials continued investigation of the incident.
"The company was able to resume operations (Mar. 15) from other company facilities, avoiding any interruption of service to customers." the company reported.
Final site clean up is underway and is expected to conclude in early April. Future plans for the Newton facility have yet to be determined.
Able is a holding company for five operating subsidiaries engaged in the retail sales, distribution, and provision of services to customers using home heating oil, fuel oil, and propane.
