April 26, 2002 - The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today deployed an investigative team to the site of a building explosion that injured dozens yesterday in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. The team will investigate early indications that the explosion may have been the result of a hazardous chemical reaction at the Kaltech Industries Group, a sign manufacturing company. The investigators will initially determine whether hazardous materials were stored in the mixed-use building and how the safety of those materials was managed. CSB Board Member Dr. Gerald Poje is en route to the accident site.

The CSB is an independent federal agency whose mission is to ensure the safety of workers and the public by preventing chemical incidents. The CSB is a scientific investigative organization, not an enforcement or regulatory body. The Board determines the root causes of accidents, issues safety recommendations, and performs special studies on chemical safety issues.

For further information, contact Daniel Horowitz at (202) 261-7613 or (877) 291-0319.