US metal plant explosion kills one, injures 13
21 February 2023
One person was killed and 13 others were injured after an explosion at a metals plant near Cleveland, Ohio in the US on February 20. The blast sent debris, including molten metal, flying onto neighbouring buildings.
Representative image: Shutterstock
Footage recorded at the scene and posted on social media showed a significant fire and a thick column of black smoke rising from the plant which could be seen from several miles away. The plant, owned by brass and bronze alloy manufacturer I. Schumann & Co., is located around 15 miles (24km) southeast of Cleveland.
The local fire department said that the cause of the explosion remains unknown but that investigation had already started. One person was confirmed to have died at the scene while 13 others suffered injuries. One person was pulled from the rubble of the factory in a serious condition and rushed to hospital. All the injured had been at the Schumann plant at the time of the explosion with debris fortunately not hitting anyone else nearby.
In a statement, Schumann said it would work alongside investigation and emergency personnel as part of its commitment to the local area where it has been operating for more than 100 years.
The Schumann plant is located around 70 miles (112km) northwest of East Palestine where a train derailment on February 3 caused a toxic chemical spill and forced the evacuation of the town. Officials have said the town is safe, however locals have voiced their concerns after several reported headaches and skin irritation while several species of animals were found dead near to the site of the derailment.