Cleveland-area plant explodes, leaving 1 dead, dozen injured
OAKWOOD (CUYAHOGA COUNTY), OHIO — One person was killed and at least a dozen people were injured Monday afternoon in an explosion and fire at an Oak- wood manufacturing com- pany, Oakwood Fire Department officials said.
Fire departments across Cuyahoga and Summit counties responded to I. Schumann & Co. to extinguish the fire at the metal and paint plant.
Steven Mullins, 46, of North Ridgeville, was killed in the explosion, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office. WKYC Channel 3 reports Mullins was a maintenance worker at the plant.
Oakwood Fire Captain Brian Dirocco said 13 people were transferred to several area hospitals and another patient was still being exam- ined.
One person had to be pulled from the debris and was being treated while being taken to a medical helicopter. A number of people had burn injuries, Dirocco said.
Metrohealth Medical Center spokesperson Dorsena Koonce said it was treating four people, two of them critical. A University Hospitals official said seven patients were being treated at Ahuja Medical Center but there was no word on their conditions.
In a statement released to WEWS Channel 5, company officials say they will cooperate with investigators to determine the cause of the explosion.
“Our efforts now are focused on supporting the first responders who came on scene quickly to help our employees,” the statement says. “The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we commit to ensuring they receive the medical care they need . ... Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.”