An explosion injured three people and caused a sodium hydroxide spill at a chemical facility in Macedonia, Ohio on 15 May. The incident happened while a tanker truck was being loaded with the sodium hydroxide. The blast ripped the tanker in two and caused a full evacuation of the facility.
The Macedonia Fire Department was called to the scene after employees at the Royal Chemical plant reported the explosion. Emergency services treated three people at the site before transferring them to hospital. One of the injured is reported to be in a serious condition after suffering burns across their body.
The explosion ripped the tanker truck into two pieces, one of which was blown into the factory. Officials said the sodium hydroxide, which is used in soaps and cleaning solutions, spilt across the site. The chemical is odourless and non-flammable but is highly corrosive.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it was assisting Royal Chemical with clean-up at the site. Over 60 vehicles required decontamination and containment measures were put in place at the scene. On 16 May, officials said there were no ongoing safety concerns for locals.
An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the explosion.
