Woodworking Industry News
Man killed in suspected Biochar accident at former Braxton Lumber mill
By Rich Christianson
September 7, 2023 | 2:04 pm CDT

Regeneration International defines Biochar as "a charcoal-like substance that’s made by burning organic material from agricultural and forestry wastes (also called biomass) in a controlled process called pyrolysis."

Heaters, W. Va. – A man was killed while making charcoal at the former lumberyard of Braxton Lumber Co. at approximately 8:15 a.m. today.

According to WOWK 13 News, the victim in his 40s, was critically injured while making charcoal from wood in a process known as Biochar. The news source, citing fire officials, reported that “a deflagration reaction caused the door to blow off the container, striking and injuring the man.”

The victim was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh where he was pronounced dead.

According to a post by Bright Star Auctions, Braxton Lumber operated a sawmill at the location for 50 years. The auctioneer facilitated an auction to sell Braxton's complete sawmill operation on June 8. 

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About the author
Rich Christianson | President/Owner/C-Level

Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.

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