Catoctin Mntn Growers incident claims life of co-founder Bob Van Wingerden
A workplace incident at the Carroll County nursery involving a ruptured hot-water tank has resulted in the death of Bob Van Wingerden and injuries to two others, according to state officials.
Emergency crews responded to an initial report of a boiler explosion around 5:05 p.m. on March 20 at Catoctin Mntn Growers. Firefighters from Carroll County Department of Fire and EMS and Frederick County Fire & Rescue found extensive structural damage, including partially collapsed sections of a building and an overturned vehicle entangled in debris.
Three employees were injured in the incident, and 65-year-old Van Wingerden was flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in critical condition. Two additional workers sustained burn injuries; one was transported in stable condition and the other declined treatment.
Investigators later determined the damage was not caused by an explosion. Officials from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed a large hot-water holding tank had ruptured, releasing approximately 1.1 million gallons of water at 180 degrees. The sudden release caused damage consistent with an explosion.
The injured man, identified as Robert James Vanwingerden, died March 23 following the incident, according to an obituary published by Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services in Westminster. Vanwingerden co-founded Catoctin Mntn Growers in 1985 with his wife, Denise, and remained active in the business alongside his family.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health responded due to the workplace injuries. The Office of the State Fire Marshal has referred the case to the Maryland Department of Labor’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Inspection Unit for further investigation.
The incident highlights the risks associated with pressurized water systems commonly used in greenhouse and nursery operations for heating. Proper inspection, maintenance and monitoring of boilers and storage tanks are critical to preventing catastrophic failures.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bob’s memory to Mount Airy Christian Academy, 16700 Old Frederick Road, Mt Airy, Maryland 21771.
Photos courtesy of Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue.