Powder Plant Employee Dies After July Explosion

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A female powder plant employee died early Monday from injuries she suffered in an industrial explosion more than a month ago.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

Marletta Betts, 43, died at 2:11 a.m. Monday from complications of burns, according to the Franklin County coroner.

Betts had been at OSU Medical Center since the Tuesday, July 28, incident at the Vinton County Austin Powder Company.

Ten employees were injured, and three were seriously or critically injured in the explosion, including Betts, Becky Castor and Debbie Hagerty.

Investigators found that a line of detonating cord broke during the manufacturing process that led to the explosion of a partially filled spool of cord, according to the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

A 10-foot-by-60-foot portion of the roof and a sidewall were blown away from the 60-foot-by-60-foot building as a result of the explosion.

No evidence of criminal intent was found during the on-scene investigation.

The SFM has closed the investigation because investigators intended to talk with Betts when her medical condition improved.

The SFM said it would release a statement later Tuesday.

Information on the other injured employees was not available currently.

Austin Powder Company manufactures industrial explosives and accessories for quarrying, mining, construction, and seismic exploration industries in North America. It offers explosives, initiation systems, and blasting agents. The company also offers blast design, consultation, and delivery services, according to its Web site.

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