May 9, 2005
by Dan Christopher
and KATU Web Staff
PORTLAND, Ore. - A powerful explosion at a north Portland pharmaceutical plant early Monday morning left a building in shambles and those who live in the area shaken.
Investigators are not sure what set off the blast, which happened around 4:20 a.m. at Lacamas Labs on North Suttle Road.
"The explosion really rocked the house and we thought maybe something happened at the train trestle," said Sharon Burt, who lives in the area. "And then there was just a blinding flash of light."
Officials say chemicals in the building are secure and run-off was contained before it could reach the Columbia River. Power in the immediate area was affected following the blast.
Four workers were inside the plant, which typically operates around the clock. Two of the workers had to be immediately decontaminated. All were taken to the hospital for treatment.
"We've done our best all these years to be a safe operating company and something went wrong here," says Jennifer Powell with Lacamas Laboratories. "You know, you can do everything that you can every day, day in and day out, and do your absolute best to be perfect, but when the standard of performance is perfection, you know, it's tough."
Those who live in the area were told to stay in their homes for several hours to avoid the risk of chemical exposure. Nearby railroad tracks were shut down for a time as well.
Emergency crews were initially concerned about run-off of chemicals into the Columbia River, but officials later said all chemicals have been contained.
The cause of the blast remains under investigation. Early estimates put damages at around $1 million.
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