Arlington Heights Explosion Investigation Turned Over to OSHA

The investigation into the deadly blast at Arens Controls in Arlington Heights that killed an Itasca man has now been turned over to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

It could take up to six months for OSHA to determine the cause of the explosion at occurred at 8:30a.m. Tuesday and killed 55-year-old Neil Nicholson, according to Kenneth Galinski, Arlington Heights police commander.  

Nicholson perished at the scene after a machine he was operating at the business-located at 3602 N. Kennicott Avenue, Arlington Heights-exploded.

“The actual machine was six feet wide by six feet tall and was four feet deep,” said Galinski.  “Mr. Nicholson was alone in a caged work station area and was standing right in front of the machine at the time of the incident.”

Galinski said large and small metal and other fragments were blown back against the walls, and debris was everywhere.  Pieces of a nearby glass window were either pulverized or projected in larger pieces into the immediate area.

First responders included Arlington Heights police and fire, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the state fire marshal.

Neighboring fire and police departments also arrived on scene to assist.

Police and fire investigators determined the cause of the explosion is not criminal in nature, and so the investigation was turned over to OSHA Wednesday, Galinski said.

“All the first responders did a fantastic job-the cooperation from the fire department was incredible,” Galinski said. “The ATF and fire mashal getting there as quick as they did just added even more support for us.”

Galinski said 10 others were injured at the scene, including seven Arens Controls employees, two Arlington Heights policemen and one Buffalo Grove officer.

“The injuries were related to the inhaling of fumes from the chemical potassium hydroxide,” Galinski said.

Potassium Hydroxide can cause respiratory and skin irritations and is known to be a potentially combustible chemical.

All of the injured were transported to the hospital, treated and released.

Arens Controls designs and produces parts for hybrid and commercial vehicles.

OSHA will be working to determine the exact cause of the explosion, and what role, if any, the chemical may have played in the explosion, Galinski said.