TACOMA — A mechanical failure in a propane supply hose apparently led to the massive explosions that rocked the Atlas Castings and Technology foundry earlier this month and caused the severe burns that killed a propane truck driver, Tacoma Fire Department investigators say.
The investigative report released Wednesday by Deputy Fire Marshal Lee Britt also said two Atlas employees had worked on the propane hose, which is owned by Atlas, before the blast.
“The statements that the Atlas employees worked on the hose are accurate,” said Duane Britschgi, Atlas chief executive and president. “What is missing is that they did that at the request of the driver.”
A cloud of propane gas was released during the delivery and was ignited by a furnace inside a building about 75 feet away.
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