NORTH CAROLINA FIRES, EXPLOSIONS AND OTHER ACCIDENTS Only accidental fires are listed here. Those involving (or allegedly involving) arson are omitted. RESIDENTIAL (only incidents with fatalities, injuries or significant damages listed) July 5, 1998 Pittsboro House fire kills two and sends another resident to the burn center in Chapel Hill. 80 year old Lillian Kirby and 2 year old Jasmine Degraffenreidt were killed in fire that destroyed their house. Dennis Morre tried to extinguish the blaze with a garden hose but was injured in the fire. April 14, 1997 Canal Street, Durham Duplex gutted by flames, spread to house next door 9-month old baby killed, 2 year old brother rescued Cause of fire unknown, children left briefly unattended (Later Mother indicted on counts of manslaughter and child abuse.) March 31, 1997 Raleigh Man in front yard killed by falling tree Fran-weakened trees and heavy winds blamed March 19, 1997 West Durham Small brick home burns 65 yr-old woman burned over 85% of body; dog, cat, and bird killed Cigarette on couch blamed, woman's ailment hindered escape February 20, 1997 North Raleigh Kitchen fire in townhouse 2 children killed Improper microwave use blamed, children home alone February 20, 1997 Fuquay-Varina 2 mobile homes burn Man killed, woman and child badly burned Cigarette or faulty electrical wiring speculated February 17, 1997 Dunn, Harnett County Pillbox house burns Family of 5 killed (2 adults, 3 small children) Cigarette blamed, no smoke detectors October 12, 1996 Garner House burned. 3 children killed, 3 injured No smoke detectors in house, no adults home at time of fire May 12, 1996 Chapel Hill Fraternity house at UNC-CH burns 5 killed, 3 injured Cigarette blamed, no sprinkler system regulations for frat houses INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS December 19, 1997 UNC Chapel Hill Construction worker fell three stories to his death from a scaffold at McNider Hall. 23 year old Jeremy Jackson worked for Comfort Engineering Construction Co. December 18, 1997 Morrisville Construction worker Rogelio "Roy" Gallegos electrocuted in construction accident in Morrisville. Another worker was nearly electrocuted and in serious condition. (On 1/2/98 second worker died from those injuries(WSJ) November 4, 1997 Research Triangle Park Construction worker killed when bulldozer he was operating caught fire at the contruction site of the new US Environmental Protection Agency's building. Blaze under investigation. March 27, 1997 Research Triangle Park Glaxo Wellcome worker crushed against trash bin by rolling truck Man killed February 17, 1997 Hillsborough Tree fell and struck logging worker Man killed January 20, 1997 Raleigh 35-ton crane toppled onto a house under construction Construction worker killed Support arm on machine blamed January 10, 1997 Durham Carrington Middle's gymnasium severely damaged by fire $25,000 in damages Cause unknown December 30, 1996 Chapel Hill Vine Veterinary Hospital burned Cat and dog killed, $70,000 in damage Malfunctioning electric heater blamed October 31, 1996 RDU Airport Single-engine plane caught fire in private airport hangar Entire airport closed for 30 minutes, hangar extensively damaged Cause unknown October 13, 1996 Halifax County line Farm worker electrocuted when mechanical cotton picker touched power line One killed, another critically injured September 17, 1996 I40/85, Burlington Truck carrying hazardous waste burns 5 police officers and 1 driver hospitalized for inhalation, several people injured in detour-related accident Interstate closed for over 10 hours, extensive evacuation of homes and businesses August 20, 1996 Clinton Lundy Packing Co. employee decapitated by machinery he was cleaning Faulty safety measures blamed, especially since other employees had lost hands last year; OSHA has long been investigating December 24, 1992 Mount Airy Leaking gas at a propane plant sets off 3 explosions and causes traffic pile-up 16 injured September 3, 1991 Hamlet, Richmond County Chicken processing plant burns 25 killed, 56 injured Faulty safety measures blamed: plant had not been inspected in 11 years May 28, 1925 Sanford Explosion in Coal Glen Mine 53 killed ____________________________________________ PUBLIC LANDS January 14, 1998 Ft. Bragg Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division killed during a live ammunition training exercise. Spc. Paul E. Gonzalez died as a result of small arms fire. Accident is being investigated by the Military Police, Army Criminal Investigative Div. and the Ft. Bragg Safety Office. November 5, 1997 Ocean Isle Beach 2 die when boat capsizes. ____________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: Daily reading of articles from N&O. This file is incomplete and remains under construction. To make suggestions, additions or corrections, please email the address below. LAST UPDATED: January 19, 1998 jchristi@nando.com