"By law they have six months to complete the investigation..."

I don't see the story on your link. Do they have any leads? Do you suspect terrorism?

Are you aware of this report?

I don't think that there was any terrorist involvement here.
I am wondering how many folks think our U. S. refineries are not safe. Even though the refineries in Pasadena, Texas extend for miles and miles - over 20 miles I believe - I don't see how any terrorist activity could happen? Not from the air - and even though roadways and freeways parallel all of these refineries - there are security cameras and chain link fences totally emcompassing all of these refineries. Anyone who thinks our oil refineries are not safe from attack - please posts your ideas on how these refinery companies can increase security."

Sorry, I hardly ever post articles. I thought I had done it properly by typing in the url to the newspaper. My fault.

"Randy Trembly, executive vice president for Crown Central, said the explosions occurred after a pump connection to a liquefied petroleum gas unit that was being emptied for maintenance came loose and released gas. The gas then ignited in a giant fireball."

Thanks Roebucks; no I was not aware of that info. But it looks like this was an accident.

Your link does go to the paper correctly, I just didn't see the story there. No problem, it was the first I'd heard of it and just wanted to read it.

Anyone interested in posting ways refineries can increase their security. I have one friend whose husband works at a refinery in Pasadena, Tx and I mentioned to her that I post at FR and I'd try to get info. on how oil companies can increase security.

Well, In Columbia and Bolivia and places like that mining and petorluem companies contract out a regiment of the military. I am not suggesting this, just answering your question.

"Wouldn't surpise me if there was an insurance angle."

Not wanting to sound naive, but good God, surely this wasn't the case, good people, hard working folks could have died out there.

"I just didn't see the story there."

Again, my fault, the article is very short. Give me a few minutes and I'll type it in. (slow typist - brb)

Yeah, let me take that back, it was uncalled for. However, back a few years ago when a client of mine was looking to buy a large block of stock, everyone I talked to relayed some pretty bad things about management.

"Crown is run by some terribly unethical people, in my opinion."

Truly being as polite as I can, how did you come to this horrid conclusion???

I shouldn't have said it, and I take it back.

"Do they have any leads? Do you suspect terrorism?"

Before I finish typing in the article, let me say the article has no other leads other then what is stated in your link.
I do not suspect terrorism. The wife of the worker said that the general concensus among workers is that the explosions were an accident.

"I shouldn't have said it, and I take it back."

No, no, please don't feel bad, anything is possilbe considering the events on 911. What have you heard?? The atmosphere of in Pasadena is ....edgy, to say the least.

typo/possible

Insurance fraud is always a potential problem in any industry. As this accident apparently destroyed property, I'm sure the insurance company will look into it. Then again, accidents do happen.

I'm sure that local law enforcement is working with Gov Ridge on a plan to implement for security. Then again, nothing beats privately trained employees who are aware and alert to potential threats and unwanted visitors on the property. Petro explosions are only thing, chemical expolisions are entirely something else.

the full article:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been on the scene since early Saturday, meticulously going over clues as to the possible cause of the blaze.
"Obviously OSHA opened it's investigation on Saturday," said Diana Petterson, spokesperson for the U. S. Department of Labor. "By law they have six months to complete the investigation, although it doesn't necessarily mean they will take that long. From the beginning it will involve investgation at the site and talking to workers. It's a pretty comprehensive investigtion."
In making sure no stone is left unturned, OSHA will exhaust their resources in making sure the safety standards at Crown Central were up to par at the time of the accident.
"Once they've determined what was the main cause of the accident, then they will see what kind of safety mechanisms were available," Petterson said. "They will also make sure the Crown employees were provided with adequate safety training. There are so many OSHA standards involved, it will take awhile to sort it all out."
At this time there are three OSHA investigators at the accident site, gathering evidence which they hope will pinpoint the causes of the accident, at which point they hope to determine if Crown was at fault.
"Just because they are investigating doesn't necessarily mean there are violations," Petterson said. "But if violations are found, OSHA will issue citations to the employer, citations which usually accompany a monetary penalty."
Petterson said the fines, if levied, could range from several thousand dollars to over one million dollars, depending on the severity of the infractions.