Two buildings at the International Paper Company were damaged by an explosion Sunday morning when the liquefied petroleum gas tank powering a fork lift exploded during a fire. Investigators with the Alabama Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office say no injuries resulted from the fire or explosion.
Investigators say two forklift operators had been in the area prior to the explosion and smelled something burning as they left. The two checked the area but were unable to locate the source of the smell. Approximately twenty minutes later the explosion occurred.
The tank exploded after a paper fire originated on the engine causing the gas in the tank to boil and expand. The pressure inside the tank increased, resulting in the explosion.