An explosion at a biodiesel waste facility in Ohio, US injured one person on 20 March. The incident happened at a facility operated by Glycerin Traders which specialises in the trading of various grades of glycerin, vegetable & animal fat, mixed alcohol, multiple types of feed ingredients, and most other recyclable, organic ingredients.
The incident happened in the city of Defiance in Ohio. The Defiance Fire Department and Police Department responded to reports of an explosion at around 16:00 local time. Upon arrival, it was determined that there was visible smoke and flames in and around the facility and observable structural damage indicated that some type of explosion had occurred, fire officials said.
A one-block security perimeter was set for public safety. At the time, it was found that there had been a grass fire in a connected lot which started as a result of the initial explosion. Arriving units were also informed that there was an employee who was unaccounted for.
Firefighters entered the structure, conducted a primary search, and initiated fire control procedures. They were later informed that the unaccounted employee was at a local hospital and had been treated and later released.
