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Foxconn Chengdu plant fire, possible explosion

by Michael Rose May 20th 2011 at 11:25AM

foxconnfire.jpg

Via MacRumors and M.I.C Gadget, there are reports coming in of a substantial fire and possible explosion at a Foxconn plant that is said to be dedicated primarily to iPad 2 production.

M.I.C Gadget has several video clips of the scene, including smoke billowing from a building, people evacuating and reports of multiple fire engines responding to the emergency. There are reports of some injuries and speculation that the fire/explosion was caused by airborne dust.

Our thoughts are with the victims of this emergency, and we hope that all the remaining employees are able to evacuate the plant safely.



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Via MacRumors and M.I.C Gadget, there are reports coming in of a substantial fire and possible explosion at a Foxconn plant that is...
 

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Allan

Great. I just ordered an iPad for my father-in-law's birthday. Not scheduled to ship until May 31. I'm doomed.

May 20 2011 at 5:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mabhatter

it's aluminum oxide dust from the fine polishing process all those aluminum chassis use. The stuff is used in actual explosives because it's so good at avoiding moisture and still being explosive. Sounds like lightening hit the building... so at that point even proper dust containment would have still let it get set off. It's sad... move along.

This is a problem in machine shops as well that do a lot of aluminum work... mixed with a little machine oil, even the larger chips will catch on fire. It can be caused by simply not sweeping the floor spotless every night... add lightening and all bets are off.

(engadget has nice long thread... )

May 20 2011 at 3:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David Schloss

Correct, fires are outlawed in Brazil.

May 20 2011 at 2:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jquiring

I hope everyone's ok. On the business side, this is one more reason for Apple & Foxconc to diversify production into Brazil.

May 20 2011 at 1:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
donmontalvo

First thought, mercury poisioning?

Don Montalvo, TX

May 20 2011 at 1:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eric Swinson

OMG! they were right. It is the end of the world.

May 20 2011 at 11:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Eric Swinson's comment
geekyjm

Generally speaking, it is the end of the world for the people killed in the explosion.

May 20 2011 at 12:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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