Posted on 12/06/2006 6:37:55 AM PST by Milwaukee_Guy
Edited on 12/06/2006 7:09:22 AM PST by Lead Moderator. [history]
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.
This is what I heard back from my friend who lives/works nearby there:
I was on my way to work when my hubby called and asked if I had heard anything. I was on the expressway at the time and could see the huge clouds of smoke. As I neared, I could tell that it was near the casino. I began flipping stations and found out that the Falk Corporation had just blew up! I guess they're a foundry that makes industrial transmissions and stuff like that.
When I arrived at work, I turned on the t.v. to see the live footage. The report is that the explosion happened in the foundry itself. As I could see in the pictures, the building (which is 1-2 blocks long) is completely gone. Phone reports came in that people in neighboring counties felt the blast....as far as 25 minutes driving time from the blast site.
I'm at work, but am trying to get a hold of my sister-in-law to check on our house. Afterall, if the explosion happened just 4 blocks from the casino....and I'm only a 6 minute drive away from the casino....I'm a little bit worried about our dog.
I'm okay....my family is okay....just waiting to see if there's any damage to our house.
I'll send an update when I have one.
After listening to the local news coverage about how many people felt this many miles away, I must be the only person in the Metro Milwaukee area that DIDN'T feel the blast. I'm about 20-25 miles north of the site.
God bless those injured and their families.
"I wonder if the Pottawatomie are standing in line to buy the property."
For out of towner's that's the local Native American casino that somehow bought "tribal land" in Milwaukee.
The Casino area is OK per reports on the TV.
I interviewed for Falk years ago. I declined, working there just didn't seem like a 'girl' job.
I'm about 14 miles NW of the blast and didn't hear anything.
My daughter's cats were snoozing soundly and would have let me know!
Unlike the UPS guy that just tried to rip off our storm door 10 minutes ago.
Smart girl!
It was interesting seeing their manufacturing process though, especially the area where they make those huge gears.
If anyone is looking for workers and other displaced people in the area, they are being transported to the TGI Fridays at Miller Park a few miles west of FALK on I-94.
A lot of employee's cars were damaged and public housing in the immediate area is being evacuated due to broken windows.
mms://journalbg-tmj4-webcast.wm.llnwd.net/journalbg_tmj4_webcast (opens directly into Windows Media Player)
FALK Corp. was featured on a local PBS special about Milwaukee history and they are one the few companies in the world with the capability to make those gears.
I used to turn gear blanks for FMC Corp. in the 70's.
36 and 72 inch vertical turret lathes.
The timing is suspicious.
I'm going with an overnight propane leak, set off by the first guy to turn on the lights.
That's one tough chimney!!
That kills my theory.
Presser about to begin.
Our seldom seen, crap weasel, mayor is jockying for the face time.
DemoRat waste of oxygen.
I think that only happens when it is terrorism. *sigh*
"I'm going with an overnight propane leak, set off by the first guy to turn on the lights."
I think you're on to something....
Give me a bunch of C-4 and I bet I could...
Thanks
Just wait until "gov" Doyle appears. I wonder how much money he can scam from this.
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