A manufacturing facility explosion has devastating consequences for workers, their families, and surrounding communities. Explosions in industrial settings often result in severe injuries, widespread property damage, and long investigations into the cause. While safety regulations exist to minimize these risks, explosions still occur when systems fail or employers neglect their duty of care.
The recent explosion at the Fiberon Manufacturing Facility in Stanly County, North Carolina, highlights how quickly a workplace accident can change lives. Although the injuries reported in this case were not life-threatening, that does not mean they are not serious and life-altering. The incident also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers workers face in manufacturing environments.
At Kherkher Garcia, we represent injured workers and their families in the aftermath of workplace accidents like industrial explosions. Below, our work injury attorneys break down what happened in Stanly County, the common hazards and causes of such incidents, the types of injuries workers may suffer, who may be liable, and what steps employees can take to protect their rights.
Summary of the Stanly County Manufacturing Explosion
On the evening of Friday, September 13, 2025, emergency responders were called to the Fiberon Manufacturing Facility in New London, Stanly County, North Carolina, following reports of an explosion. Multiple fire departments and Stanly County Emergency Services responded.
Four workers were injured in the explosion. Two were transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. All other employees were safely evacuated, while crews battled active fire hazards through the night.
Agencies currently investigating the cause include the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal (lead agency), the Stanly County Fire Marshal’s Office, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
While the cause has not yet been released, explosions of this nature often stem from a mix of hazardous materials, equipment failures, and lapses in safety oversight.
Hazards and Causes of Manufacturing Facility Explosions
Manufacturing plants handle chemicals, heavy machinery, and combustible materials daily. This combination creates an inherently high-risk environment. Some of the most common causes of industrial explosions include:
- Combustible Dust Accumulation – Fine particles from materials like wood, metal, or plastics can ignite under certain conditions.
- Chemical Reactions – Improper storage or mixing of volatile chemicals may result in fires or explosions.
- Gas Leaks – Natural gas or propane leaks in confined spaces create a high risk of catastrophic blast events.
- Faulty Equipment or Electrical Systems – Worn-out machinery or defective electrical wiring can spark fires.
- Human Error or Negligence – Failure to follow safety protocols or lack of proper employee training often contributes to accidents.
- Inadequate Maintenance or Inspections – When employers neglect regular facility maintenance, they increase the likelihood of hazardous incidents.
Explosions are rarely the result of a single factor. Instead, they are often the outcome of overlapping failures in safety, equipment, and oversight.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Manufacturing Explosions
Even when explosions are labeled “non-life-threatening,” the injuries sustained can still be serious, painful, and life-altering. Victims of industrial blasts often face long recovery periods and expensive medical treatments. Common injuries include:
- Burns – Ranging from first-degree surface burns to life-threatening third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and long-term care. Burn injuries from workplace explosions can be catastrophic.
- Blast Injuries – Pressure waves from an explosion can cause ruptured eardrums, lung damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Shrapnel and Lacerations – Flying debris can cause deep cuts, puncture wounds, and internal injuries.
- Orthopedic Injuries – The force of a blast may result in broken bones, crushed limbs, or spinal damage.
- Respiratory Injuries – Smoke inhalation and chemical exposure can scar the lungs and impair breathing for years.
- Psychological Trauma – Survivors often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression after experiencing a workplace explosion.
These injuries don’t just impact physical health. They can lead to lost wages, reduced earning potential, and overwhelming financial strain for workers and their families.
Who May Be Liable for Manufacturing Explosions?
Determining liability in an industrial explosion is complex and typically involves multiple parties. Possible responsible parties include:
- Employers/Facility Owners – If inadequate training, safety oversight, or maintenance contributed to the explosion.
- Equipment Manufacturers – If defective machinery or faulty parts played a role in the incident.
- Contractors or Subcontractors – If outside workers failed to follow safety standards or mishandled hazardous materials.
- Third-Party Vendors – Companies supplying chemicals, gases, or maintenance services may also be held accountable.
While workers’ compensation may cover some medical expenses and lost wages, it often falls short of fully compensating victims. In many cases, injured workers may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit to seek additional damages such as pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and long-term care costs.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Manufacturing Explosion
If you or a loved one is injured in an industrial explosion, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. Here are key steps workers should take:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Documenting injuries early strengthens any legal or workers’ compensation claim.
- Report the Incident – Ensure the employer or facility formally records the accident.
- Preserve Evidence – Keep copies of medical records, accident reports, photos, or witness statements.
- Avoid Giving Recorded Statements – Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney – A lawyer can identify liable parties, file claims, and fight for fair compensation.
Kherkher Garcia has extensive experience representing victims of workplace explosions and industrial accidents nationwide. Our team knows how to investigate complex incidents and hold negligent parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if my employer pressures me not to file a claim?
You still have the legal right to pursue workers’ compensation or a third-party lawsuit. An attorney can protect you against retaliation.
Can family members of deceased workers file a lawsuit?
Yes. Families may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
What compensation is available after a manufacturing explosion?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and future lost earnings. If your employer does not subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance, it is important to contact an attorney about your rights and options for compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Deadlines vary by state. In North Carolina and many others, workers’ compensation claims must generally be filed within two years, but third-party lawsuits may have different timelines. Speaking with a lawyer promptly is crucial.
Do I need an attorney if workers’ compensation is already paying my bills?
Yes. Workers’ comp rarely covers the full cost of long-term medical needs, pain and suffering, or loss of earning capacity. An attorney can explore additional recovery options.
Kherkher Garcia Advocates for Injured Workers
At Kherkher Garcia, we know that behind every manufacturing facility explosion report are real people. Hardworking employees whose lives are disrupted by injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing workers harmed in industrial and manufacturing accidents.
We are committed to helping injured workers and their families pursue justice and full compensation, whether through workers’ compensation, third-party lawsuits, or wrongful death claims.
If you or someone you love was injured in a workplace explosion – whether in North Carolina, Texas, or anywhere in the U.S. – you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free injury consultation. We will fight to hold negligent parties accountable and help you secure the recovery you deserve.
Get started by calling us at 713-333-1030, or by submitting our online contact form.
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