Journal Staff

As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, there were no further updates on the explosion at Goex Industries at Camp Minden other than those received from Louisiana State Police. Goex Industries’ officials have yet to release a statement.

Wednesday’s early morning explosion at Goex Industries, LLC, isn’t the first at the Camp Minden site for the black powder manufacturer which, according to its web site, is the only U.S. manufacturer of black powder.

An investigation of the incident, under the supervision of the Louisiana State Police, is continuing. Goex Industries reportedly is preparing a statement which will be released.

Since moving the operation to Camp Minden in 1997, Goex has suffered explosions on several other occasions. The last incident involving Goex Industries occurred in June, 2021 when roughly 1,000 pounds of black powder exploded in the corning mill plant. One worker reportedly was slightly injured during evacuation when he fell.

Other explosions occurred in July, 2006; November, 2004; October, 2001; January, 2000; and, November, 1998, less than a year after the plant opened. That 1998 accident resulted in the only death from explosion at the plant. 

Three employees have been injured in explosions, including two who were victims of the 2001 incident which caused roughly $2.5 million in damages.

While Goex has seen its share of explosive incidents, other similar accidents have befallen companies at Camp Minden and the former government-operated Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant (LAAP). Those include:

• October, 2012: A bunker owned by Explo, a company that dismantles and recycles old military bombs, exploded, a powerful blast that was felt throughout northwest Louisiana. No injuries were reported.

• August, 2006: Multiple explosions at Explo caused evacuations of homes, schools and highways in Doyline. The company lost about 200,000 sq. ft. of its plant; spent around $3.5 million relocating on the grounds and rebuilding. No injuries were reported.

• Also in 2006, a fire at Valentec Systems’ flare assembly plant destroyed one building. No injuries were reported.

• August, 1968: Six persons died and nine were injured when an explosion destroyed “F” line and facilities at the LAAP.

• January, 1963: One person died in a testing ground explosion at LAAP.

• July, 1962: An explosion on an assembly line killed three persons and injured six at LAAP.

• November, 1942: Five people were killed and one injured when a shell exploded in the “F” area shipping room.