26/10/2026
Press Release:
Two Employees Injured in Steam Incident at Griswold Products Facility
On October 26, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Plainfield Police Department was notified of a reported boiler explosion at the Griswold Products facility, located at 1 River Street in the village of Moosup, within the Town of Plainfield.
Upon arrival, responding personnel determined that two maintenance workers were working on a condensate pump inside the building when an accidental discharge of steam occurred. The steam filled the immediate work area, causing severe burns to both employees.
The first employee was identified as Zachery Beauchene, 26, of Brooklyn, Connecticut. Beauchene was transported by Life Star to the Rhode Island Hospital Burn Center in Providence, Rhode Island, where he is currently receiving treatment in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit for severe burns to his chest, hands, arms, and face.
The second employee was identified as Richard Pepin, 64. of Danielson, Connecticut. Pepin was transported by ambulance to the emergency department at Backus Hospital in Norwich, Connecticut, for burns to his hands and face. He was treated and subsequently discharged.
The Plainfield Police Department determined that the incident did not involve any apparent criminal activity. The department subsequently contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Connecticut State Office of the State Building Inspector. Representatives from both agencies responded to the scene and will assume responsibility for the investigation moving forward.
