Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyer
An explosion at the Koch Foods plant outside Cincinnati, Ohio, tragically killed one worker early Sunday morning and injured three others.
Nearby residents were also forced to shelter in place for several hours amid fears that the blast may have triggered a toxic gas leak.
Koch Foods Plant Explosion Ignited 3-Alarm Fire
Emergency crews were called to the Koch Foods plant, located at 4100 Port Union Road in Fairfield, Ohio, around 1:00 a.m. on February 15th due to reports of an explosion and fire. More than 100 firefighters initially responded to what had quickly grown into a 3-alarm blaze.
The Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials Unit was deployed to the scene at 3:30 a.m. after officials became concerned that ammonia gas could spread to the surrounding area while crews worked to bring the fire under control.
A shelter-in-place order affecting a 2-mile radius around the plant was announced a half hour later.
Koch Foods Employee’s Remains Recovered Hours Later
The deceased Koch Foods employee was initially reported unaccounted for.
Fire crews had attempted to search for the worker, but were forced ot abandon those efforts “due to untenable heat and structural conditions.” Sadly, his remains were recovered Sunday afternoon in an area of the plant that sustained heavy damage, and where a section of the roof had collapsed.
Three other workers were taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with burns. Fortunately, all have since been released from the hospital.
Koch Foods Fire Burned for 7 Hours
While the shelter-in-place order was lifted just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, it took a full 7 hours to extinguish the massive blaze. Officials were concerned about the potential for a “significant ammonia release,” but fortunately, crews managed to isolate and secure the tanks containing the hazardous material.
Firefighters remained at the scene overnight in case the fire reignited, and a drone was used to check for heat signatures. Air monitoring also continued to ensure no ammonia was leaking from the plant.
According to media reports, the Koch Foods plant sustained significant damage in the blaze, including structural collapses in the central portion of the 60,000-square-foot facility. So far, it remains unclear what caused Sunday’s explosion; it remains under investigation.
Koch Foods is a major poultry processor and one of the largest employers in Fairfield. The plant’s last significant incident occurred in 2024, when a small fire in a mechanical room caused $50,000 in damage. Fortunately, no one was injured in connection with that fire.
What Workers and Their Families Should Do After a Plant Explosion
The hours and days after a tragedy like the Koch Foods plant explosion are chaotic, especially for injured workers and their families. The pain and grief can be overwhelming, and it’s not easy to see a path forward.
But in our experience, companies and their insurers begin working within hours to avoid responsibility and limit employees’ financial recovery to what little workers’ compensation benefits they might be entitled to. If you don’t start taking the necessary steps to protect your rights after a workplace disaster, you might never secure the financial compensation needed to ensure a full recovery or secure your family’s future:
- Get Immediate Medical Care: Adrenaline can mask pain. Even if you feel fine or your injuries appear minor, go to the ER right away—for the sake of your health and to ensure any injuries you did suffer are documented and linked to the blast.
- Report the Incident — But Stick to the Facts: Notify your employer as required, but avoid speculation about what caused the explosion. Do not guess. Do not accept blame. Simply state what you saw, heard, and experienced.
- Document Everything: As soon as possible, write down where you were when the explosion occurred, what you were doing, who was nearby, and what you observed about alarms, equipment, or safety systems. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses. If at all possible, take photos and videos of the scene before anything is cleaned up.
- Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice. Do not sign releases, waivers, or settlement documents until an experienced plant explosion attorney reviews them. Otherwise, you could walk away with far less than you deserve.
- Preserve Evidence in Your Possession: Keep your work boots, gloves, clothing, and any personal protective equipment you were wearing. Do not wash or discard them. Put them in a clean plastic bag and give them to your attorney when you’re able.
- Follow Every Doctor’s Order. Attend all follow-up appointments. Take medications as directed and complete any recommended therapy. You don’t want to give the insurance company any opportunity to claim you’re exaggerating your injuries.
- Be Careful Who You Talk To: Limit discussion of the accident or your injuries to your spouse and attorney, and stay off social media—anything you say or post could be used to downplay your injuries, blame you, and otherwise deny you the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
- Do Not Rely Solely on Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ comp only covers medical bills and a portion of your paycheck. It also won’t compensate you and your family for pain and suffering or other damages that you might be able to pursue in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
- Understand That You May Have Legal Options: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may have claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other liable third parties. In some rare circumstances, it’s also possible to sue an employer, even if you’re collecting workers’ comp.
- Contact an Experienced Plant Explosion Lawyer: An attorney with a record of success representing plant and refinery workers against large corporations will have the means to determine exactly what happened and how it could have been prevented, identify every responsible party, and preserve crucial evidence before the company has a chance to “lose” or destroy it. They can also deal with the insurance company on your behalf and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.
Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers: Call 1-866-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consult
Our Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers have won Billions—including the largest verdicts and settlements in our opponents’ history and the #1 Largest Individual Burn Settlement in U.S. History— for thousands of workers and their families against the largest plant and refinery operators in the world.
If you or someone you love were hurt in connection with the Koch Foods plant explosion in Fairfield, Ohio, or another industrial disaster, our attorneys are ready to help. Please call 1-888-603-3636 or fill out our confidential Contact Us form.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
Your consultation is free and confidential, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.