Family Members of Plant Explosion Victim Speak Out
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TOONE, Tenn. — Relatives of Michael Chism are hopeful that he can recover from the burns that cover 90 percent of his body. Although he currently lives in Bolivar, his family says he grew up in Toone. Sheriff John Doolen says Chism’s father is one of his reserve deputies. “[We’re] making it day by day, praying for him,” Cardarius Hill, Chism’s cousin, said. “That’s all we can do [is] put it in the Lord’s hands.” On Monday, investigators with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency returned to the Kilgore plant in Toone, the site of the Saturday explosion that injured Chism. Federal investigators have yet to release an exact cause or any more information about what they’ve found on the inside. Another cousin of Chism, Chris Wooden, said at one time he worked at Kilgore too, but left years ago out of concern for his own safety. “Well, I quit and I’ll leave it at that,” Wooden said. Chism’s neighbors didn’t want to talk on camera, but told WBBJ the father of three was often seen outside playing with his children. “Everybody in my family [is] good people man, we all good,” Hill said. “That’s why I don’t understand why it happened, happened like that anyway.” An ATF spokesperson says he will release an update on the investigation on Tuesday.
