Footage of cosmetic factory explosions released

Surveillance footage of an explosion that left one person dead and 100 injured at a New York cosmetics plant was released on Wednesday. 

Authorities said the clip shows the first of two morning explosions on November 20 at the Verla International cosmetics factory in Orange County. 

The explosion occurred 25 minutes apart from one another, according to CBS News. 

Authorities released footage of deadly New York explosion that occurred earlier this month

At least two explosions ripped through the Verla International cosmetics in Orange County on November 20

At least two explosions ripped through the Verla International cosmetics in Orange County on November 20

Investigators determined the explosions were accidental and were ignited when static electricity caused the ignition

Investigators determined the explosions were accidental and were ignited when static electricity caused the ignition

Investigators determined the explosions were accidental and were ignited when static electricity caused the ignition of hexamethyldisiloxane, an ignitable liquid, inside the plant.

Footage shows a worker wiping excess product in the plant’s batch room just before the first explosion erupted. The employee reportedly sustained minor burns.  

Authorities initially said one employee was killed and up to 35 people were injured, including seven firefighters. 

The deceased worker was identified Tuesday as 57-year-old William Huntington, of nearby Newburgh. 

His body was recovered from the factory later in the evening after fire crews spent the day trying to contain the blaze.

The factory is about a half-mile from the town hall and police station in New Windsor, on the Hudson River’s west bank, 55 miles north of New York City. 

Authorities said that one employee was killed and more than 100 people hurt in the incident

Authorities said that one employee was killed and more than 100 people hurt in the incident

The deceased worker was identified Tuesday as 57-year-old William Huntington, of nearby Newburgh.

The deceased worker was identified Tuesday as 57-year-old William Huntington, of nearby Newburgh.

Police said the first explosion occurred around 10.15am. Firefighters who responded were inside the building when the second explosion occurred around 10.40am. 

Verla was cited for nine occupational safety violations earlier this year, according to records on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s website.

One was related to problems with the handling of flammable and combustible liquids.

The federal agency also cited inadequacies relating to respirator protection for workers and the maintenance of exit routes. The company agreed to pay $41,000 in penalties.

The 37-year-old New Windsor-based company’s website says the products it makes include nail polish, perfumes, lotions, among other things.



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