On December 19, T2 was producing methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MCMT) in a 2,450-
gallon chemical batch reactor. At 1:23 pm, the process operator directed an outside operator to call the
two owners, who were off site, to report a cooling problem and request they return. Upon their return,
one of the owners went to the control room to assist. A few minutes later, at 1:33 pm, the reactor burst
and its contents exploded, killing the owner and process operator in the control room and two outside
operators who were exiting the reactor area.