Fire officials say human error likely caused the fatal explosion and fire at a Columbus packaging plant.
Forty-seven-year-old Jeffrey Doxtator of Columbus died Sunday when sparks from a grinder he was using ignited vapors at the American Packaging plant.
Columbia County Coroner Angela Hinze says Doxtator died from internal injuries caused by the explosion.
Fire Chief Randy Koehn says there was a sign on the door of the room where the blast happened that warned it was a hazardous area.
Koehn says an insurance agent at the scene estimated damage at about $1 million.
Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, www.madison.com/wsj
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Wrongful Data Collection Driving Cyber Claim Frequency
Bayer Wins Roundup Trial as Settlement Decision Looms
Edison Must Face Jury Over Equipment’s Role in Massive 2025 Fire
Chubb CEO Greenberg: Industry Has to ‘Put Arms Around’ AI Liability