Idaho Welder Dies Of Injuries From Blast

The welder blasted off his perch when a farm chemical mixing tank exploded last week in Idaho’s Magic Valley died on Monday from his injuries.

Paul Stewart, 45, of Albion, was pronounced dead at the University of Utah Medical Center burn unit just after 2 p.m., hospital spokesman John Dwan said.

Stewart suffered extensive chemical burns when the explosion ripped through the mixing operation last Thursday at Rainbow Farm Products south of Burley.

Environmental regulators want a plan to clean up the 2,000 gallons of a toxic soil fumigant that seeped into the ground after the tank ruptured.

The Cassia County Commission has set a hearing for next week on revoking the company operating permit that was granted a year ago over strong objections of some in the area.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reviewing workers’ safety conditions.