New Hampshire Gunpowder Plant Owner Convicted in Fatal Blast

The owner of a New Hampshire gunpowder plant where an explosion killed two workers has been convicted of negligent homicide and manslaughter.

Maidstone, Vt., resident Craig Sanborn was found guilty Wednesday. He owned the Black Mag plant in Colebrook, where the 2010 explosion killed Donald Kendall and Jesse Kennett.

The force of the explosion shook nearby buildings. Firefighters couldn’t get close to the burning site for several hours because ammunition was exploding. Dozens of nearby homes were evacuated.

Prosecutors say Sanborn was motivated by profits and failed to ensure employee safety. They say they’re pleased “justice was done for the victims’ families.”

The 56-year-old Kendall was from Colebrook. The 49-year-old Kennett was from nearby Stratford.

A defense lawyer says Sanborn was away and had no control over the plant.