An explosion rocked a metal processing plant located in Ohio on Monday 20th Feb 2023. The plant is owned by I Schumann & Co. processes metals and alloys and is located in Bedford near Cleveland, OH.
What caused the metal plant explosion?
It is not clear what caused this massive explosion that could be viewed from afar.
Here’s a video of the explosion as it occurred via Upward News on Twitter.
?Explosion – Bedford, Ohio. https://t.co/uznDr6Swta
— Upward News (@UpwardNewsHQ) February 20, 2023
The incident is being reported as a mass casualty event, although the exact number of casualties is not yet clear. It is also not clear what caused the explosion.
Meanwhile, the following statement has been issued by the company that owns the plant.
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.
After the recent Ohio train derailment accident that led to the Ohio chemical cloud, this is the next big accident to happen in the state.
Dust Explosions in metal processing plants
Explosions can happen in manufacturing plants due to several reasons, the most common being due to the presence of dust clouds. Contrary to what many people think, although a pile of metal shavings and dust on the floor is not flammable or explosive, a swirling cloud of metal dust can easily explode.
Thus it is very important for plant managers and safety professionals to prevent the formation of dust clouds in their plants and facilities. In the past there have been several incidents of dust explosions in metal processing plants. The US Chemical Safety Board has released a video about Dust Explosion hazards.
