At least 14 people have been injured – including one critically – following a large explosion at a metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio.
Ambulances were pictured on the scene of 1 Schumann & Co., which makes brass and bronze alloys. It remains unclear what caused the explosion at around 2.30 pm Monday.
One person suffered critical injuries, while a number of people were treated for burns as molten metal and debris rained down on neighboring buildings.
The blast sent smoke billowing into the sky that could be seen for miles around the damaged factory. Emergency services have also requested the development of several medical helicopters.
Large explosion at metals making plant in Bedford, Ohio. Reports of multiple victims pic.twitter.com/B2DJRwiHaZ
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) February 20, 2023
The explosion in Bedford, Ohio is located just about 70 miles northwest of East Palestine, where a toxic train derailed on February 3. It is just south of Cleveland.
All of those injured were on site, the falling debris having spared those at neighboring businesses, Oakwood Fire Department Captain Brian DiRocco said.
‘The people were mostly walking wounded. They were coming up to us,’ DiRocco said. ‘I’m sure there’s a lot of people that work here that were in shock.’ Witnesses told local News 5 that there were two explosions: a small one followed by a larger one around 2.30 pm. The brick wall of the building was completely blown away, with bricks hitting cars and businesses nearby. (SOURCE)
