May 30--BRANFORD -- Firefighters responded to a former gas station site on Route 1 Wednesday afternoon after workers removing an old underground tank accidently triggered a small explosion, injuring two. They did not require hospitalization.
Fire Chief Jack Ahern said the accident, which occurred at the vacant Jay's Food Market at 487 E. Main St., occurred just before 12:20 p.m.
The work was being performed by McVac Environmental, a New Haven company specializing in disposal services.
Ahern said workers were performing a routine task at the time. The removal process involves using a specialized saw to cut a hole in the tank.
The explosion occurred once workers broke through the tank's inner layer. Typically, dry ice is used to clear out any remaining oxygen.
"Nine out of ten times, this doesn't happen," Ahern said of the explosion.
Firefighters pumped foam into the tank after the blast to remove any remaining fumes. Ahern confirmed there was no ensuing fire.
Fire Marshal Shaun Heffernan is investigating the accident, along with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Heffernan added officials are formulating a plan to safely remove aging, underground tanks.
Call Evan Lips at 203-789-572
Copyright 2013 - New Haven Register, Conn.
