VICKSBURG, Miss. (May 22, 2002)—“We simply do not have all of the answers and may not have the complete picture for some time,” said Rouse Polymerics Inc. CEO Michael Rouse of the May 16 explosion and fire that killed one worker and injured 11 others, 10 grievously.
The blaze, which began about 6 p.m. in the packaging area, destroyed the 60,000-sq.-ft. facility. The state fire marshal's report is expected at any time, said Mr. Rouse, who added the company is cooperating fully with government agencies.
The company has identified two possible sites in Vicksburg for rebuilding and expects to be operating again within six months, Mr. Rouse said in a prepared statement May 21.