Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

The collapsed steam accumulator tank that exploded, killing Milton McDonald, and damaging a pickup van (at left) yesterday at the Free Form Factory on Nanse Pen Road, off Spanish Town Road in Kingston. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

It should have been Milton McDonald's first day at work on Monday. However, the 21-year-old wanted to properly understand his tasks as a mason, so he turned out a day early on the job yesterday at the Free Form Factory, 6 Nanse Pen Road, off Spanish Town Road in Kingston.

But about 10:30 a.m., a steam accumulator tank exploded, killing the resident of Palmer's Cross, Clarendon, on the spot.

The explosion also destroyed a section of the foam manufacturing company and a pickup van that was parked on the compound.

State of shock

Keith Edwards, the foam factory's chief executive officer, was in a state of shock as he tried to comprehend what had caused the explosion.

"I am trying to understand myself, plus I wasn't here when it happened," said Mr. Edwards.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the explosion.

Detective Sergeant Everett Taylor of the Hunts Bay Police Station, has speculated that the explosion may have been as a result of the tank being over-pressurised.

While the management of the company tried to contact McDonald's relatives, residents of the community stood in shock among fallen sheets of zinc.

"It just sad. It could have been any one of us. Just destiny," said one resident.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com