A catastrophe has occurred at an eastern Ohio metal production facility.
WJW reported that the plant in Bedford, a suburb of Cleveland, was burning after explosions were detected Monday afternoon.
First responders are seen battling to contain an industrial-scale disaster in a video from the site.
🚨#BREAKING: Mass Casualty Incident after a multiple massive explosion has occurred at a metal manufacturing plant⁰⁰📌#Bedford | #Ohio⁰⁰Currently multiple authorities and emergency crews are battling a massive fire at a metal manufacturing plant in Bedford Ohio with multiple… https://t.co/62qnuVKmR8 pic.twitter.com/8DhF5JDocD
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 20, 2023
According to footage, the collision has caused a black smoke cloud to rise into the sky.
⚠️ HAPPENING NOW: ‘Mass Casualty Incident’ – Massive explosion has occurred at a metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio.
At least 12 people severely burned — “debris scattered everywhere” — smoke seen for miles.
Huge EMS & fire response underway. pic.twitter.com/B0ihvbbCFV
— Upward News (@UpwardNewsHQ) February 20, 2023
WEWS-TV reports that the explosion was severe enough to cover the area surrounding the business with debris.
According to a person with knowledge of the disaster, the explosion caused injuries, with at least one victim in critical condition.
About 2 p.m., a first, smaller explosion allegedly occurred, followed shortly thereafter by a second, larger explosion.
AMERICA ON FIRE – An explosion rocked a metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio. Crews are currently responding on scene. Possible mass casualty event. pic.twitter.com/9xJ1pfMLFd
— Eric Deters (@bulllaw) February 20, 2023
WKYC-TV reports that thirteen folks have been hospitalized as a result of the tragedy.
Several fire agencies were dispatched to the I Schumann & Co. paint and metal company in response to a fire that was deemed too severe for a single agency to handle.
Captain of the Oakwood Fire Department Brian DiRocco revealed that numerous victims of the explosion sustained burn injuries.
According to WEWS, the fire was ultimately extinguished about 4 p.m. local time.
A Doppler radar display indicated the breadth of the accident’s smoke emissions.
BREAKING: A major explosion was reported on Alexander Road in Oakwood Village / Bedford Heights area, and multiple fire departments have been called to assist. DOPPLER RADAR has detected the smoke from the explosion in the air. @SpectrumNews1OH #OHWx pic.twitter.com/CPBMf9WNqP
— Eric Elwell (@EricElwell_TV) February 20, 2023
This catastrophe happened weeks after a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling toxic compounds that were eventually removed by officials in a big controlled fire.