At least 13 people were reportedly injured and one killed in an explosion Monday afternoon at the I. Schumann & Co. foundry in Oakwood, according to Beacon Journal news partners. News 5 Cleveland.
The blast and three alarm flames led to a massive fire and emergency medical response to an alloy company, with smoke visible as far south as Stowe and Cuyahoga Falls and north to downtown Cleveland.
A 46-year-old man was killed in the explosion, according to Channel 19 news.
The blast on Alexander Road, just west of Interstate 271, was reported around 2:00 p.m. As of 6pm, some fire department units were still at the blast site.
Oakwood Fire Department Captain Brian DiRocco said news 5 cleveland The fire was controlled Monday night.
“Most of the fire has been extinguished, and response firefighters are working on some hot spots,” Dirocco said.
he told News 5 Cleveland All staff at the foundry were accounted for, although there were multiple injuries. The captain said that business was a safe place and not a place where many calls were made, but as a foundry, it deals with molten metal.
I. Schumann & Co. Chief Client Officer Matt Barkett issued a statement Monday evening that the cause of the explosion is still unknown. He confirmed that employees were injured and the facility suffered significant damage.
“Right now, our efforts are focused on supporting first responders who rush to the scene to help our employees,” said Barkett. “The safety and health of our employees is our number one priority and we are committed to ensuring that our employees receive the medical care they need.”
Twinsburg Fire Department Lieutenant Marcus Kettner said the fire department dispatched a Mutual Aid EMS unit to transport people to local hospitals.
Jeff Huhn, who works inside sales at Mid-State Sales across the street, heard an explosion.
“We were just loading the truck and getting ready to leave. It was the loudest noise we had ever heard,” Huhn said. “Everything was shaking, things were falling off the shelves here. I looked outside and saw a huge billow of smoke. Debris and shrapnel were blown away, cars were running, fires, and I just saw the chaos after the explosion.”
No damage was reported to the Midstate Sales Building, Hung added.
but News 5 reported by Cleveland The explosion was so powerful that bricks from the building were thrown into the parking lot. The brick walls of the building were completely blown away. The bricks smashed into nearby businesses and cars, damaging several cars in total.
The North Freeway on Ledge Road, which was closed shortly after the explosion, reopened around 7:30 pm, according to the Macedonian Police Department.
Alexander Road was also closed.
Smoke was visible from Stowe Falls and Cuyahoga Falls, with some still visible after 4pm, with occasional puffs of black smoke.
Joe Sarconi was eating lunch nearby when the building exploded, he said news channel 5.
“Ridiculous,” said Sarconi. “I don’t know why nothing hit me.” He added that he found debris on the hood of the car.
At least one medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene.
Barkett said I. Schumann & Co. will work with investigators, adding that the company has been doing business in northeastern Ohio for more than 100 years.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the team members and their families during this difficult time,” said Birkett.
This is a developing story. Please check the latest information.
Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com.