More than a dozen people were hospitalised on Monday after an explosion at an Ohio factory.
The Oakwood Village Fire Department said 13 victims were taken to the MetroHealth Medical Centre hospital, shortly after 3 p.m. following an explosion at I. Schumann & Co., a manufacturing plant that produces copper alloys.
Two of the people were described as being in critical condition. Another was injured but not hospitalised after the blast.
“There was a loud explosion following debris flying at our building and on the roof and the whole building shook like an earthquake,” witness Stephenie Davis wrote on Facebook.
She also posted several photos and videos showing a large, billowy plume of smoke rising from the factory and damage to cars in a nearby parking lot.
According to local outlet Fox 8, several cars caught fire as a result.
The blaze was mostly put out by 5 p.m, according to the Oakwood Village Fire Department.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
“An explosion of unknown origin struck our Bedford, Ohio, facility today, resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the facility,’’ I. Schumann and Co. said in a statement Monday evening.
“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.’’
The incident came after a 150-car train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month, prompting health concerns. (dpa/NAN)
