One of the numerous fire agencies that responded to the fatal explosion at an Oakwood Village metal production plant on Monday was Broadview Heights.
“The debris field looked like 100 yards of block and rebar,” said Lt. Jay Gaiser. Gaiser said his squad wasn’t needed on scene at the I. Schumann and Company foundry. However, they started fielding calls from residents as soon as they returned to base.
“We started receiving calls around 4:30 about a burning rubber smell,” said Gaiser. The above player displays the Ohio Department of Transportation video that FOX 8 obtained through a public records request. The explosion happened around 2:30 in the afternoon. The size of the smoke plume is seen from the camera on I-271 looking south.
Communities close to the fire were affected by the haze and smell. Those who had olfactory complaints about the explosion called fire services in Broadview Heights and Seven Hills.
Have A Look At Some Of The Latest Trending News:
- Husband of Housekeeper Arrested In Los Angeles Catholic Auxiliary Bishop’s Shooting Death
- While Chasing Carjacking Suspects, A Colorado Police Officer Fell To His Death From A 40-foot Bridge!
“We brought our meters to make sure everything was okay and safe and to reassure them,” said Gaiser. One person died after the huge explosion, and thirteen others were sent to local hospitals.
“I hear a big boom and look over and see the plume of smoke and then the explosion, and I ducked and covered for a little while, and then I look, and all the walls are gone,“ said Joey Sacrconi, who works across the street and was returning from lunch when the explosion happened, but luckily missed him.
Firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the area from various communities, but it took hours to put out the fire and save people inside.
“We realized there were several injured people inside the building, so we established an EMS sector and began triaging patients,” said Capt. Brian DiRocco with Oakwood Village Fire Department. “A lot of burn injuries like the walking wounded coming up to us.”
Despite the fact that numerous vehicles were destroyed, some were crushed, and others caught fire, miraculously, no one was hurt by the flying debris.
Ed Soukup works across the street. His car was damaged, but he was more concerned for the workers at the foundry, “You know, I’m just praying for these men and women in there it’s just terrible.”
ATF agents and the State Fire Marshal responded and started an investigation. Also responding, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner later announced that one person had passed away.
