GASTON, Ore. -- A 60-year-old Forest Grove man died and two others were injured in an explosion at Stimson Lumber Company in Gaston, south of Forest Grove.
A six-foot-tall hydraulic accumulator machine exploded just before 1 p.m., as three workers were trying to dismantle it, according to Ken Bilderback with the Gaston Fire Department.
A LifeFlight helicopter airlifted Steve Allen to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland where he later died, according to Forest Grove Fire Inspector David Nemeyer.
Raymond 'Butch' Perdew was rushed in an ambulance to Legacy's trauma unit with life-threatening injuries and William Elliot was taken by ambulance to Tuality Hospital with less serious injuries, officials said.
The Perdew family issues this statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve's family; you are all in our hearts. Butch is recovering well at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, with hopes of being discharged in the next few days. Our deep thanks to family, friends and co-workers for the support you have shown during this difficult time."
Portions of the mill were evacuated as a safety precaution. Witnesses said the explosion did not cause a fire.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators were at the scene.
In addition, a chaplain was helping workers deal with the tragic accident.
"He's dealing with workers who might have been traumatized by this incident because the mill was very busy at the time that this exploded and so many workers were exposed to it," said Bilderback.
The facility is located at 49800 SW Scoggins Valley Rd. in Washington County. Fire officials said Stimson has an excellent safety record.
Stimson Lumber Company is a privately-held forest products and natural resource company based in Portland.
