On Monday afternoon, one person was killed and at least a dozen more were injured after a massive explosion rocked a metal plant in Bedford, Ohio. Twitter users in the Bedford area began tweeting about large plumes of smoke rising from the metal factory that could be seen from miles away. Bedford area residents also reported debris scattered miles away from the explosion site. Many emergency vehicles, including ambulances and life flights, were also said to be at the scene of the explosion.
BREAKING: “Mass Casualty Incident” being reported.
Massive explosion at a metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio; rapid response underway.
This is Unrestricted Warfare. pic.twitter.com/eskF4fL1JQ
— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) February 20, 2023
We are located directly across the street. It destroyed cars in our parking lot. Massive debris hit our roof and knocked things off shelves. Smoldering steel and concrete everywhere. Like a volcano erupted.
— Rose Colored Gaming (@RoseColoredGame) February 20, 2023
Bedford ~ Explosion w/Fire – 22500 Alexander – debris everywhere, smk, loud explosion shook PD HQ in Bed Hts. Blocking Alexander/Rt 8. Large portion of bldg exploded. -BW
— NE Ohio Scanner (@NEO_Scan) February 20, 2023
SkyFOX is live right now over a massive fire at a Bedford metal factory. Here's what we know so far: https://t.co/7PFiTOsd4L pic.twitter.com/5meU44Vtpj
— fox8news (@fox8news) February 20, 2023
JUST IN: Explosion reported in Bedford, Ohio at a metal factory.
Ohio can’t catch a break.pic.twitter.com/X1IRLsdAr1
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 20, 2023
Large chunks of debris are charred on one side. They appear to have been so hot that they burned the asphalt that they impacted. @WEWS pic.twitter.com/EFeGhahFQM
— Jordan Vandenberge (@NEWSjordanv) February 20, 2023
Smoke could be seen for miles after the explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. metals plant in Bedford, Ohio, located about 15 miles southwest of Cleveland.
On Monday afternoon, Oakwood Fire Department Captain Brian DiRocco addressed reporters on the scene, informing them that 13 people were taken to area hospitals. At least one victim was described as being in “critical” condition after being pulled from rubble, DiRocco said.
A spokeswoman for Cuyahoga County confirmed later confirmed that a 46-year-old man had died, according to the New York Times.
All of the injuries were reported inside the confines of the plant. Luckily, neighboring businesses were spared by falling debris and fire.
The blast comes as Ohio continues to deal with the fallout from a catastrophic train derailment and subsequent toxic chemical burn in East Palestine. The derailment resulted in a mandatory investigation for the area, though many residents have voiced concern over continued pollution after multiple train cars of the highly toxic vinyl chloride was burned off.
When residents returned to their homes, questions about the area’s water and air safety began to arise after videos were posted of chemical clouds and murky water due to the chemical release. East Palestine, Ohio, is 73 miles southeast of Bedford.
The cause of the explosion at the metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio, is still under investigation.
