Bryan Bonilla, 34, and Alex Wix, 21, dead, two others hospitalized after chemical waste tank explodes on 2nd Street in Guthrie, Kentucky

Modified Date: 
Tue, 01/24/2023 - 7:32pm
Accident Date: 
Wednesday, January 18, 2023

1 killed, 3 hurt after explosion at Kentucky facility

Near the end of the process around 1 p.m., white smoke or steam was seen coming from the area of the truck, which was parked directly in front of the building, according to Todd County Emergency Management.

1 killed, 4 injured in tank explosion at Kentucky facility

Within minutes, the tank exploded and struck two employees, killing one. Also injured was the driver of the truck, a Guthrie city employee, and another Quick Turn employee.

Details Released In Guthrie Explosion

The Kentucky State Fire Marshall and the Kentucky Environmental Cabinet are investigating the explosion and at this time authorities believe that for some reason an organic fat such as cooking oil became mixed with the alkaline wastewater in the tank which resulted in an exothermic saponification reaction.

Second Man Dies After Guthrie Explosion

The explosion also resulted in the death of 34-year-old Bryan Bonilla of Clarksville and severely injured Guthrie city employee and Trenton firefighter Benn Stahl and President of Quick Turn Anodizing J. Lee Powell.

People Involved: 
Bryan Bonilla
Benn Stahl
Alex Wix
J. Lee Powell
Roadway: 
2nd Street