Worker Succumbs to Injuries After Chemical Fire at Chattanooga Facility

A worker at a Chattanooga facility has died following a chemical fire, as reported by state officials.

Emergency crews arrived at TS USA, located off Riverfront Parkway, on Thursday morning and discovered the worker along with three others suffering from burn injuries.

According to the Chattanooga Fire Department, the worker, whose identity remains undisclosed, was transported to a hospital with severe burns.

The fatality occurred on Thursday morning, according to a spokesperson from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

“TOSHA has dispatched an investigator to the facility to commence an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death,” spokesperson Chris Cannon stated in an email.

Cannon mentioned that workplace death investigations can last up to six months. The investigation will include an examination of the incident site, a review of company records and procedures, and interviews with employees.

TS USA has no prior record of inspections or citations in the Tennessee OSHA database, Cannon added.

The plant operates a salt bath nitriding line, which involves large cylinders containing a hot solution that reacts with water.

“It appears there was a chemical reaction, resulting in an explosion,” stated the fire department regarding the likely cause of the fire.

Due to the hazardous chemicals involved in the fire, the building was evacuated on Thursday, according to a release.

Image source: Chattanooga Fire-Rescue