One person was killed and at least 12 others were injured during an explosion that sparked a large fire at a metal fabrication plant in Bedford, Ohio, about 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) southeast of Cleveland. The causes of the incident are still under investigation.
Brian DiRocco, captain of the Oakwood Village Fire Department, informed the press that the district FD received a call around 3:00p.m. (local time) regarding a "very large explosion" with heavy fires. The detonation caused a large amount of dark smoke and scattered debris hundreds of feet, damaging vehicles in a nearby parking lot and surrounding streets.
Thirteen people were taken to hospitals, mostly for severe burns. Cuyahoga County spokeswoman, Mary Louise Madigan, later confirmed the death of a 46-year-old man.
"The bulk of the fire is extinguished, and the firefighters who have responded are only working on a couple of hot spots," concluded DiRocco.
An explosion of "unknown origin"
I. Schumann & Co. - the company that owns the factory - told News 5 Cleveland in a statement that an explosion "of unknown origin" caused "injuries to its employees and significant damage to its facilities." The company added that they would cover the medical expenses of their employees:
The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we are committed to ensuring that they receive the medical care they need.
The company also stated that it would support the authorities in the investigation to get answers about the origin of the incident:
We will work alongside investigators as they 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.
Some users and media outlets posted videos on social networks showing the seriousness of the incident:
Ohio explosion at a metal factory is being reported as a ‘mass casualty incident.’
Pray for Ohio.pic.twitter.com/DhjdRvBATI
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 20, 2023
Aerial footage shows damage at the Ohio plant explosion on Monday — More than a dozen people were injured, one victim critically. https://t.co/SZliAduTHV
[WEWS/CNN] pic.twitter.com/7b86KqLgEE
— FOX19 NOW (@FOX19) February 21, 2023
This new tragedy is once again shaking the state of Ohio, after last February 3, when a train carrying toxic substances derailed in the town of East Palestine and caused a massive explosion. This released hazardous chemicals in an accident that has already been labeled by many as the 'Chernobyl of Ohio.'
