Explosion at Kitty Hawk Manufacturing injures an employee, leads to evacuations

Local news reported February 3 that an explosion at Kitty Hawk Manufacturing in Canby, Oregon injured one employee and led to an evacuation order for the area. Kitty Hawk heat-treats metal parts in high pressure tanks in an isostatic pressing facility, and the explosion was caused by one of two high-pressure heat-treatment tanks exploding. Uncertainty the second tank might explode led local officials to call for an evacuation of the immediate area and a one-day closure of two area schools before the order was lifted Wednesday morning.

According to Canby Fire Chief Matt Dale, the outcome of the situation was a good one. Three Kitty Hawk employees were working at the time: The injured employee was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Dale also reported that the explosion did not release any hazardous materials.

“All and all, minor injuries, no loss of life, property damage can be fixed. This is a very successful outcome for a very devastating situation,” Dale told ABC 2 news.

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