SAFETY
An explosion at Ford’s Rouge facility near Detroit rocked the complex. The explosion, on 1 February 1999, was at the Number Three boiler of the power plant. Two people were killed, and 20 others injured. A state inspector said the explosion was caused by a gas buildup inside the boiler.
The power plant is, according to Rouge site manager Art Janes, a total loss. “It doesn’t look like we’ll ever be able to use the power house again.” Detroit Edison has two connections with the facility, and said it might be able to provide 40 MWe, if lines and entry points could be restored. Even if electricity can be supplied, however, production will still be reduced due to the lack of steam.