2023-05-08 13:45:32
Images of an explosion that occurred in a pharmaceutical factory in Newburyport, not far from Boston have been made public.
The video was captured with a surveillance camera from a nearby residence.
The images show the bright, powerful flash, followed by the rise of a ball of fire in the sky.
The factory roof was torn off, throwing debris up to 800 feet away.
screenshot | CNN
A 62-year-old worker was killed and four others injured in the disaster, reports local channel NBC 10.
The causes of the explosion are still under investigation, but a spokesperson for the Department of Fire Services said it appeared to be related to a chemical manufacturing process, and there was nothing suspicious .
About 50 large barrels containing chemicals such as acetone, methanol and isopropyl alcohol were removed from the building on Friday.
screenshot | CNN
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced on Friday that it had begun an inspection of the company.
The inspection is to determine whether the employer has met OSHA occupational safety and health standards, which could take up to six months.
It is the third safety disaster at the plant since 2020.
The elected officials demanded explanations from the company’s leaders.
Lawmakers stressed that “this explosion is just the latest preventable disaster at this facility, after years of serious security breaches, multiple fines and other explosions.” They also said last Thursday’s outburst shows the company has failed to create a meaningful or effective safety culture.
Seqens released a statement saying the company is focused on the safety of its employees and is implementing safety protocols and procedures to prevent such incidents.
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