Explosion Rocks Ohio Metal Plant, Sending Large Plume Of Black Smoke Into Sky
Update (2030ET): The company has issued a statement confirming the explosion of unknown origin:
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.
* * *
On Monday afternoon, a large explosion rocked a metal manufacturing plant just east of Cleveland, Ohio, sparking a fire and sending a massive column of black smoke into the sky.
Fox News said the explosion occurred at I Schumann & Co. metal plant in Bedford. The company produces metal alloys.
The black smoke billowing into the sky is reminiscent of the East Palestine controlled burn of toxic chemicals earlier this month. Law enforcement in Bedford has yet to say if the smoke is toxic to surrounding communities.
🚨 JUST IN: Eye witness video of the massive metal facility explosion in Bedford, Ohio — mass casualty incident declared:
— Upward News (@UpwardNewsHQ) February 20, 2023
"Wow, that's f-cking insane!" pic.twitter.com/cAlou0aDHi
Multiple victims burned after massive explosion at a metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 20, 2023
pic.twitter.com/uOsHqNAQ8b
⚠️ @IntelPointAlert || ‘Mass Casualty Incident’ reported following explosion at metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio; massive response underway pic.twitter.com/ibbHfHkhhm
— PiQ (@PriapusIQ) February 20, 2023
Large explosion at metals making plant in Bedford, Ohio. Reports of multiple victims pic.twitter.com/B2DJRwiHaZ
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) February 20, 2023
Here's another video of the fire.
⚠️ HAPPENING NOW: Huge fire breaks out following mass casualty explosion at a metal facility in Bedford, Ohio. pic.twitter.com/FhyUT60L5z
— Upward News (@UpwardNewsHQ) February 20, 2023
Emergency services have requested several medical helicopters. There are reports this could be a 'mass casualty incident.'
DEVELOPING: ‘Mass Casualty Incident’ reported following explosion at metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio; massive response underway pic.twitter.com/J7DOcqBf9F
— Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) February 20, 2023
The cause of the blast is unknown at this time.
