Three NFFE-IAM Local 1429 members have been seriously injured after an industrial explosion and fire Thursday morning at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA. The members were taken via medivac to a Maryland hospital in serious condition.
Two more victims whose identities are unknown were taken to Chambersburg (PA) Hospital. One has since been released and the other is in unknown condition. It is unclear whether those two victims are bargaining unit members.
IAM Local 321 and NFFE-IAM Local 1442 also represent members at the base.
“We are deeply saddened by the events at Letterkenny,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of those injured as well as our members on the shop floor. The IAM will continue to provide any and all resources and support going forward.”
The incident occurred in the paint and prep area of Building 350. Base command has closed the building until at least the evening of Sunday, July 22.
“Our Brothers and Sisters work in many Army depots every day to support the warfighter,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “It is our expectation that when they go to work, they will return home the same way that they left. We pray for them and their families and hope for a speedy recovery.”
The IAM is monitoring the situation and coordinating with local union officers.
“My thoughts and prayers are with these families,” said NFFE-IAM Local 1429 President Scott Guyer. “Today we are at a complete loss, but we are going to do everything we can to help these families and our community recover.”
The IAM will be providing updates as the situation develops.
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