One killed in US metals plant explosion

ONE person has died and at least a dozen others were injured in an explosion at a metals plant in Ohio, US.

The New York Times reports that firefighters were called to the plant in Bedford, Cuyahoga Country at about 15:00 local time, on 20 February, in response to the incident. Reuters adds that it drew fire departments from across northeast Ohio.

Reports state that Brian DiRocco, captain at a local fire department, said that 13 people were taken to hospital, most suffering from burns and one person in critical condition. According to Reuters, DiRocco noted that an additional person was treated on site. A county spokesperson confirmed that one person had died, but it is unclear whether they were one of the people reported injured.

The cause of the incident is unknown and DiRocco said that an investigation is underway, reports the New York Times.

According to local news outlet News 5 Cleveland, plant owner I Schumann & Co said it will work with investigators as they search for answers. It added: “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.”

I Schumann & Co recycles and trades a wide variety of scrap and produces brass and bronze alloys in ingot and pellet forms.

The metals plant explosion follows another incident in Ohio earlier this month, which saw more than 1,500 residents of East Palestine evacuated after a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed and exploded. Residents were told they could return after a controlled burn of vinyl chloride, which was amongst the chemicals being transported.