I could use some good thoughts tonight.

[Staph]

There was an explosion at the Bayer Crop Science plant a few miles from my home, about 90 minutes ago (during the speech). We're under a shelter in place, no one knows what chemical might have been released in the air, possibly some kind of insecticide or insecticide ingredient.

I'm alone and scared.

[kitkat65]

1. I hope everything turns out okay.

Are there other people where your at?

[AirmensMom]

2. OMG, that's terrible!

:hug:

Any idea when they'll know anything?

[Stinky The Clown]

3. Oh wow!

I should think you'll be fine. Keep the A/C on and all windows closed. You're probably too far for it to matter. But still be cautious.

[ColbertWatcher]

4. Hope all is well. Stay safe. n/t

[beam me up scottie]

5. Do you have an emergency radio?

I cling to mine for dear life when the tornado sirens go off and then the power does too.

[TwilightGardener]

6. Well, keep checking in here, and let us know how you are doing, please.

Prayers for you and your town, that it all gets cleaned up OK with no contamination or injuries.

[polly7]

7. On no Staph ...

stay safe inside and stay connected, it'll be ok. Are they getting water and food to you? I'm so sorry ...

[femmedem]

8. That is frightening.

Good thoughts heading your way. :hug:

[Frustratedlady]

9. I'm so sorry to hear of this...were any killed?

Are you to stay indoors or are they evacuating? I would keep a wet towel or cloth with you to cover your eyes, mouth and nose if you feel fumes are coming into your home.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

[willing dwarf]

10. Best wishes to you

Though I'm sure it's upsetting and little fun, it's good you know to do the shelter in place thing. When I hear a loud sound, I sometimes worry that there's something horrible in the air, and I don't know it. At least there's information being given to you.

[Booster]

11. You're not alone, Staph - we're with you. Hold my hand.

[liberalmuse]

12. I'm so sorry to hear that.

I hope you are okay. Please keep us updated if you are able. :(

[Orrex]

13. Stay online if you can and keep us posted!

Let us know what you hear!

:hug:

[countryjake]

14. Here's a report on the blast, may be some comfort to find info...

A massive explosion took place at the Bayer CropScience plant in
Institute, West Virginia at 10:36 PM this evening
http://rashmanly.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/13613/

Stay safe!

[Ghost in the Machine]

15. Hope all is well.... sending good thoughts your way

Here, have a :hug: , too...

[malaise]

16. Stay safe

:grouphug:

[Suich]

18. How are you doing, Malaise?

Lots of rain, according to TV.

[ceile]

17. Hon, take care!

I'm sure everything will be fine.:hug:

[Staph]

19. Thank you all.

It's good to know there's someone out there. Virtual hugs and hand-holds are almost as good as the real thing.

My home is closed up tight and the A/C is off. I'm flipping between the different local television stations -- mostly rumors on the actual chemicals involved. The emergency sirens have finally stopped, but they've closed the local roads and the interstate. Luckily, the plant involved is not the one that manufactures methyl isocyanate -- the chemical that killed thousands in Bhopal, India.

[lonestarnot]

20. Damn. Be safe!

:hug:

[Staph]

28. I was wrong

According to the Charleston Gazette:

"Located along the Kanawha River about 12 miles from downtown Charleston, the Institute plant site covers about 350 acres. The facility was built in 1943 by the U.S. government for the production of rubber for World War II. The plant was then bought and operated by Union Carbide in 1947, until 1986, when it was purchased by the French firm Rhone-Poulenc for the production of agricultural chemicals. The German company Bayer bought it in late 2001.

"The plant is best known for making, using and storing large amounts of methyl isocyanate, or MIC, the chemical responsible for the deaths of thousands of people in a huge leak at a Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, in December 1984. Eight months later, 135 people were treated in Kanawha Valley hospitals after a leak of the chemical aldicarb oxime from the then-Carbide plant in Institute."

[brer cat]

21. How dreadful to be alone, Staph.

We are with you in thoughts and prayers.

:hug:

[villager]

22. Be well, hang strong -- and post back often!

Take care! :hi:

[roguevalley]

23. stay with us, keep posting. we love you and are with you.

[SpookyCat]

24. That sounds scary :(

Maybe some soothing music for background sounds, and keep on line with us!

:hug:

ETA: Here's a flower for you...

[bananas]

25. I just posted the story in LBN

with a link back to your thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3459006

[valerief]

26. OMG, I hope you're okay.

[undergroundpanther]

27. oh shit.

Wish I could help somehow.
Fucking corporations they fuck with everything and fuck it up.
I wish there was a tighter leash on corporations and they were forced to follow regulations and testing.Bush really fucked us all over.
I hope you are Okay and you aren't exposed to anything.

[bertman]

29. Hang in there, Staph. We're pulling for you. Where are you located?

[mmonk]

30. Best of luck. My thoughts are with you.

[KT2000]

31. Whatever you do

don't believe the "officials" when they say it is all clear. Keep taking precautions. Remember this - you are in a situation where liability is the number one issue - not your health. Agencies come under severe pressure to control the liability issue.

[rebel with a cause]

32. May the powers that be look over you, yours, and all

the people there in West Virginia, shield you from the danger and keep you all safe.

[Rowdyboy]

33. Know that people care......

Wish we could help

[FedUpWithIt All]

34. Good thoughts for you and your not alone.

:hug:

[Straight Shooter]

35. I'm sorry you're going through that.

Wish you were here, safe and sound. :hug:

[beac]

36. Stay safe and keep us posted.

We'll all be thinking of you and sending positive energy your way.

:hug:

[Robbien]

37. Seeing what Bayer has done for the honeybees

I can understand your concern.

There was one injury confirmed, a plant worker who suffered third-degree burns and was taken to the hospital, Kanawha County Manager Brent Pauley said. Another person is missing. Earlier reports that one person had been killed could not be confirmed.

Other officials reported at least two explosions, and emergency personnel reported a fire still burning inside the plant at 12:30 a.m.

The chemicals involved in the explosion were dimethyl disulfide, methylisobutylketone and hexane, a Bayer official told Kanawha County officials at about 1:30 a.m.. All three are "harmful irritants," according to information provided to Kanawha officials.

The three are used to make methomyl, which is a highly toxic pesticide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It was not clear if any of the pesticide escaped.

. . .

"The fire is pretty much contained at this stage of the game
http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/200808280743

Peace

:grouphug:

[Staph]

38. The shelter-in-place has ended.

I'm leaving the tape on the doors and windows and the A/C turned off anyway, and I'm going to bed.

Thanks to all of you for your kindnesses and your care. It was a lousy way to end a historical night!

[yardwork]

39. How are you this morning?

I've been following the news about Bayer Crop Science. Their pesticide is under suspicion for causing huge honeybee die-offs. I wonder if this explosion was to cover up evidence.