An explosion at a metal processing facility in the Pennsylvania late Thursday left at least four people injured, prompting emergency and hazardous materials responses, local authorities said.
The incident occurred at the Langeloth Metallurgical Company facility on Langeloth Road in Smith Township, Washington County. Emergency services confirmed that four people were taken to hospital with injuries linked to the blast.
The explosion was reported at around 6:15 pm local time, after which a hazardous materials team was dispatched to the site as a precaution. Smith Township Fire Chief Brandon Kriznik said the incident appears to have occurred during the transfer of a chemical substance from a tanker truck to a stationary storage tank.
County authorities initially issued a shelter in place alert for residents in the Langeloth area over concerns that hydrogen peroxide could have been released into the air. The advisory was later lifted after assessments determined there was no ongoing risk to public safety.
Washington County officials notified the Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, describing the move as a standard procedure in incidents involving hazardous materials.
Fire Chief Kriznik said the situation was under control and reassured residents that no harmful substances had been released. He added that people in the area could be confident there was no remaining danger following the explosion.
Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
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