S. S. Middletown; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 1986-Sep-26

Initial Notification: On September 15, 1986, an explosion occurred on board the S. S. Middletown, docked in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Two crew members were seriously injured in the explosion, which took place just aft of the No. 4 cargo hold on the main deck of the vessel, a Great Lakes self-unloading bulk carrier carrying a cargo of coal. The explosion apparently resulted when flammable gas released by the coal was ignited by one of several possible ignition sources. Concentrations of flammable gas and oxygen deficiencies were detected at other cargo hold doors and spar deck hatches after the explosion. USCG district 9.