Yikes, this place was a foundry so you can imagine flying molten metals and debris. Scary stuff.

According to News5 Cleveland, one person was killed, and more than a dozen injured when the I. Schumann & Co, brass and alloy manufacturer plant exploded.  Video footage shows the aftermath {Direct Rumble Link}

News5 – Authorities responded to a manufacturing business near Bedford Monday afternoon after a massive explosion caused fires and blew debris over neighboring businesses, streets and cars. Multiple injuries have been reported.

It happened at I. Schumann & Co., located in the 22500 block of Alexander Road in Oakwood. The business is a brass and bronze alloy manufacturer.

The company released the following statement about the explosion:

“An explosion of unknown origin struck our Bedford, Ohio facility today resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the facility. Our efforts now are focused on supporting the first responders who came on scene quickly to help our employees. The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we commit to ensuring they receive the medical care they need. We will work alongside investigators in their search for answers as part of our commitment to Northeast Ohio where we have been operating for more than 100 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.”

It’s unclear what caused the explosion. Witnesses told News 5 there were two explosions. A small explosion happened first, and a second, stronger one happened around 2:30 p.m.

Authorities said there were multiple burn victims taken from inside the plant to a nearby hospital. One person was taken by LifeFlight helicopter and flown to a hospital for treatment. There were at least 14 people injured in the explosion. One person, a 46-year-old man, has died, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Oakwood Fire Department officials said the cause of the explosion is under investigation but called the facility a “relatively safe plant.” (read more)

There has been a rash of multiple industrial fires and explosions in the past few weeks, including the train derailment of toxic chemicals in nearby Palestine, Ohio.

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