WATER PLANT EXPLOSION BAFFLES VICTIM’S SISTER

Carl Malinowski, 51, has worked at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant for over a decade.

Described as a “skilled, trained ironworker” by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Acting Executive Director John Murray, Malinowski was sent in Thursday morning to execute the routine procedure of removing a frozen bolt with a torch.

Hours later, 70 rescue workers had to dig 6 feet and tunnel through 40 feet of concrete to save the entombed Malinowski after an explosion in that part of the plant sent the roof pancaking straight down.

The methane-induced blast has officials and relatives baffled. While methane is a natural byproduct of the water reclamation process, Murray said the department never sends flame-wielding workers in a methane-filled room.

While Chicago Fire Department investigations have stated a torch set off the explosion, Murray said that’s still under investigation; it could have been set off by a rogue spark. It was unclear whether anyone else in the room had a torch.

Malinowski’s sister, Carolyn Grisko, said he is recovering from a shattered leg and a broken jaw, nose, shoulder blade, breastbone, wrist, and spinal discs. Though grateful for the bravery of the crews who saved her brother’s life, Grisko is troubled by so many unanswered questions.

“They have no idea what happened,” she said. “Why was methane allowed to build up? Why wasn’t it detected on the monitors? Who gave them the OK to do this? There are many questions here, and there needs to be answers. We need to figure this out so nothing like this ever happens again.”