Posted on 12/06/2006 6:37:55 AM PST by Milwaukee_Guy
Edited on 12/06/2006 7:09:22 AM PST by Lead Moderator. [history]
MILWAUKEE - An explosion and three-alarm fire have been reported at the Falk Corporation, 3001 W. Canal Street in the Menomonee Valley. Smoke is heavy and crews are on the scene. Authorities are reporting several buildings on fire.
Reports are that one building collapsed and another is in danger. Large chunks of one roof are falling off. The explosion could reportedly be felt for miles. Twenty to thirty people may have been injured. Falk Corporation is a global manufacturing company headquartered in Milwaukee. The company was founded in the 1840's.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office is late to report on any fatalities. The local media is reporting conflicting information and I am going to hold my info until notifications of next of kin are effected.
FALK employees have just been released by Milwaukee Police after being held for interrogation. They were sent to Miller Park and then detained by MPD for questioning.Apparently there's some suspicion of sabotage.
The corporation appears to have a major profile in its industry and this looks like their only plant.
-Eric
Only US plant, that is.
"Apparently there's some suspicion of sabotage."
Go slow with any speculation unless you can back it up.
"Apparently there's some suspicion of sabotage."It's unusual for the police to detain people after an industrial accident unless there is something suspicious about the occurrences.Go slow with any speculation unless you can back it up.
-Eric
Froedert Hospital News Conference,
Received 9 people.
First admittance at 8:55 am CST.
Patients,
Fnger injuries.
4 contusions.
41 year old with intercranial injurious in serious injuries.
61 year old male with blast injuries, critical in surgery.
3 Minor injuries, various contusions.
Checking all victims for internal injuries before release.
Also. BATF on scene.
Falk has another factory on the northwest side of Milwaukee.
There were mechanical contractors on scene, although that may be common in a factory of this size. This would fit with reports that there was work being done involving a problem with a propane tank before the explosion.
"It's unusual for the police to detain people after an industrial accident unless there is something suspicious about the occurrences."
Post 911, you can be detained for anything at any time.
Get used to it......
Latest update from WTMJ 4,
30 injuries transferred to local hospitals.
1 fatality "officially" from the Medical Examiner.
2 fatalities per WTMJ 4 TV.
One woman who lives nearby Falk said she thought we were being bombed.
It's really bad.
presser live on FOX
Presser Live,
Confirmed three fatalities.
35 injuries.
No suspicion of illegal activity.
No evidence of envoromental threats.
No damage to freeway infrastructure.
Falk/Rexnord execs appearing for holy pictures pending lawsuits.
7:00 pm meeting for employees at State Fair Park. Media not invited.
If true, this is "very interesting."
Perhaps a gas line was ruptured during repair and could not be sealed off.
DUnno.
In case you haven't seen this already.
No confirmed cause of explosion.
MPD will not comment on the investigation per Police Chief.
MPD Cheif will not release any information of any nature at his time.
Mayor will not speculate if there are any more victims.
Employees will be payed at least for the short term, per Rexnord CEO.
Most employees self evacuated and some transported injured before public service arrived on scene.
Alderman Bob Donavan (a good guy) has published a number for business or home owners impacted by the FALK explosion.
1-414-286-8222
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