Early Tuesday morning, just before 5 a.m., two explosions ripped through the Brent Industries industrial recycling plant on the outskirts of Toledo, Ohio. The blasts set the building ablaze, sending thick black smoke into the sky and prompting a rapid deployment of fire engines, rescue crews, and hazardous‑materials teams.
Emergency response
Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Chief Allison Armstrong confirmed that the explosions occurred during a shift change, a time when many workers were present in the facility. “We’re working to contain the fire and account for all the employees right now,” Armstrong said. “They’ve got hazardous materials in there, so we’re dealing with chemicals and runoff and tanks that exploded.”
Firefighters surrounded the structure, battling flames that continued to roar well into the morning. By 7:30 a.m., the fire remained active and at least half of the building had collapsed. Crews focused on preventing the spread of hazardous chemicals while searching for missing personnel.
Workers’ status
Two workers have not been located. Armstrong noted that the missing employees were seen in the building before the explosions, but it is unclear whether they are trapped, have fled the scene, or are simply not answering their phones. “If we’re missing people and we’re not sure if they’re in there, I mean that’s just terrible,” she said, expressing concern for the workers and their families.
Several other employees sustained minor injuries and received treatment on site or were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. No serious injuries have been reported at this time.
Cause under investigation
Authorities have not released any preliminary findings on what triggered the explosions. The plant, which provides textile reconditioning and industrial recycling services, handles a variety of chemicals and waste materials, increasing the complexity of the investigation.
State and local officials have urged residents to stay clear of the area while emergency crews continue to extinguish the blaze and secure the site. A phone message was left for Brent Industries seeking additional information about the incident.
About Brent Industries
Brent Industries, founded in 1977 in Brent, Alabama, operates facilities in both Brent and Toledo. The company’s services focus on reducing waste and cutting costs for industrial clients through recycling and textile reconditioning. The Toledo plant is one of several locations that support the company’s nationwide operations.
As the investigation proceeds, the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department will provide updates on the fire’s status, the safety of the surrounding community, and the ongoing search for the missing workers.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
