5/22/13 - State officials are continuing their investigation into an explosion in Dexter last month that killed one man and injured a Livingston County man. The April 22nd explosion at the village of Dexterâs waste water treatment plant is thought to have happened after methane gas was ignited while workers were cutting a piece of steel off of a tank. The work was part of a $3.3 million project to enhance sludge handling at the plant. The Dexter Leader reports that details surrounding the incident came up at a Chelsea Area Fire Authority meeting Tuesday morning. Dexter Fire Chief Jim Payeur told the board the cutting of the tank lid was not properly permitted. He also said village employees were present during the work who should not have been there. 48-year-old Michael Koch of Brooklyn was killed by the blast, while 23-year-old David McBridge of Howell was injured. Both the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Washtenaw County Sheriffâs Office are investigating the blast. However, sheriffâs officials have reportedly said they donât believe any criminal charges will be filed in the case. (JK)
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