Columbus Ohio explosion: Moment blast rips through paint factory, leaving ‘eight injured and one still missing’
THE moment an explosion ripped a paint factory apart and left eight hurt and one missing in Ohio this morning was caught on camera.
The explosion happened about 12.05am at the Yenkin-Majestic Paint facility in Columbus, triggering a fire, Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Steve Martin told reporters.
Martin added that the factory contains dangerous materials, leading a hazmat crew to attend the scene.
Some of the injured were able to get out of the plant while others were rescued before being taken to the hospital, authorities said.
Two victims who were initially listed in critical condition were upgraded to stable, Martin said.
Crews early on Thursday searched the site and worked to extinguish the fire. Some nearby businesses were evacuated.
The cause of the explosion wasn’t immediately known.
The Columbus Fire Department said: “We are currently fighting a second alarm fire at Majestic Paints, 1920 Leonard Ave.
“First responding companies were met by employees exiting the building, five of them injured and taken to local hospitals.
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“Two other employees were trapped inside the building and had to be extricated and transported in critical condition. Search and rescue efforts are continuing, as are extinguishment efforts at this time.”
An environmental company were seen cleaning up hazardous materials at the paint plant on Thursday morning, according to an NBC4 reporter.
She added that fire investigators had still not located the missing worker as of 6.40am local time.