Explosion and Fire (at Falk Corporation, Mil, Wis) 3 dead, 37 injured, many missing

TMJ4 ^ | Wednesday December 8, 2006

[Milwaukee_Guy]

MILWAUKEE - An explosion and three-alarm fire have been reported at the Falk Corporation, 3001 W. Canal Street in the Menomonee Valley. Smoke is heavy and crews are on the scene. Authorities are reporting several buildings on fire.

Reports are that one building collapsed and another is in danger. Large chunks of one roof are falling off. The explosion could reportedly be felt for miles. Twenty to thirty people may have been injured. Falk Corporation is a global manufacturing company headquartered in Milwaukee. The company was founded in the 1840's.

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Details to follow!

[sageb1]

On FNC now.

[theDentist]

Peter Falk owns a corporation? What does it make? False eyes?

Humor aside, I hope Fire Dept knocks it down quickly. What does this corp manufacture?

[Mo1]

What is the Falk Corporation??

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Event started between 8:00 to 8:15 am CST.

Public reports of a very large explosion easily heard in Cudahay and other suburban areas.

Two smoke plumes originally sighted, now merged into one large black smoke plume.

[MplsSteve]

http://www.falkcorporation.qpg.com/

[r9etb]

"The Falk Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a world-leading manufacturer of industrial mechanical power transmission solutions."

[AppyPappy]

I wonder if they store Propane for all that welding.

[Milwaukee_Guy]

FALK Corp. is a long time local manufacturer best known for the manufactuer of giant gears for various applications.

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Sherrif reports one 175 gallon propane tank - 50 feet - from the main fire area. Other tanks may be currently involved.

[sageb1]

More than 30 injured. Evacuations.

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Active fire still being seen on local tv.

[joe fonebone]

for those of us who use falk gearboxes, were falked!!!!!

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Any word on the cause of the explosion?

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Eyewitness reported seeing and feeling the explosion on eastbound 94 headed downtown. Then two smoke columns.

[Mo1]

thanks

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Dispatcher reports 20 private ambulances on the way to the scene.

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Milwaukee police advising to stay away from the area.

Numerous gas lines and power lines in the industrial area may be in jeopardy.

[ConservativeMind]

The comapny was founded in the 8140's.

Could you clean this up?

[Lead Moderator]

Yes, thanks.