1 dead, 13 hospitalized following fire, explosion at metal factory near Cleveland
One person is dead and 13 people were taken to hospitals after an explosion at a metal factory near Cleveland Monday afternoon, according to CNN.
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Several firefighters responded to a fire and explosion at the I. Schumann & Company, a metal alloy factory, in Oakwood Village around 3 p.m.
Steven Mullins, 46 of North Ridgeville, has been identified as a victim of the Oakwood Village fire, according to CBS affiliate WOIO in Cleveland.
The bulk of the fire was out as of 5 p.m. and crews are working to put out hot spots, DiRocco said.
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One woman, Stephanie Davis, was at work when she suddenly felt the entire building start to the shake.
Davis and her coworkers went outside to see what happened and saw debris on the roof and scattered through the parking lot, she told CNN.
“Some windows at our neighboring building in front of us were blown out, cars were damaged and debris was on the ground on fire,” Davis said.
She saw a “huge cloud of black smoke” coming from a building less than 1,000 feet away, Davis said.
“Everyone was in shock and looking at their cars and the building where the smoke was exiting,” said Davis. “We heard another smaller boom and everyone started to either get in their cars to leave or go back into their work building for safety.”
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I. Schumman and Co. released a statement of the fire, WOIO reports.
“An explosion of unknown origin struck our Bedford, Ohio facility today resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the facility. Our efforts now are focused on supporting the first responders who came on scene quickly to help our employees. The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we commit to ensuring they receive the medical care they need. We will work alongside investigators in their search for answers as part of our commitment to Northeast Ohio where we have been operating for more than 100 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.”
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Employees at Rose Colored Gaming say debris from the explosion damaged cars in their parking lot and hit the roof of their building, according to our CBS affiliate WOIO in Cleveland.
“Looks like a volcano erupted,” said a Rose Colored Gaming employee.
Police told nearby businesses to shelter in place and there are reports of debris everywhere, WOIO said.
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A construction worker, Nathan Vapenik, was working at a construction site next door to the explosion when it happened, WOIO reported.
There was no damage at the site but they saw a few tanks fly a couple hundred feet in the air and felt the shockwave after the explosion, Vapenik said.
Smoke could be seen from the explosion miles away, according to WOIO.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
We will continue to provide updates.
