ASHLAND, Mass. — The Ashland fire department was called to Kidde-Fenwal on Main Street Tuesday night for an explosion.
When they arrived just after 6 p.m., they found the carbon dioxide tank had exploded, sending pieces of concrete and debris into the adjacent neighborhood.
DEVELOPING: Ashland fire department is responding to an explosion at Kidde-Fenwal where a lieutenant tells me a Carbon Dioxide tank exploded - sending pieces of concrete into the nearby neighborhood. The tank is still leaking, so homes have been evacuated. LIVE at 10 @boston25 pic.twitter.com/XCL8CcaIhq
— Litsa Pappas (@LitsaPappas) August 19, 2020
“There’s no reports of injuries miraculously,” said Police Chief Vincent Alfano. “Quite a bit of damage so we’re really pleased no one was injured, very fortunate.”
Homes nearby had to be evacuated for a few hours as the tank continued to leak chemicals into the air. By 11 P.M. the situation was under control and people could finally return back home.
1930hrs update. At this time houses on Columbus Ave, Brook Street & Leland Ave have been evacuated as a precaution. The tank is venting freely into the atmosphere & is unable to be shut down at this time. The Hazmat team is arriving now to evaluate further
— Ashland Fire (@AshlandMAFire) August 18, 2020
Photo @AshlandPolice pic.twitter.com/2tfEKENlzu
Kidde-Fenwal makes fire protection equipment and uses carbon dioxide for some of its products.
Lieutenant David Iarussi says it could be days before the investigation is complete into what caused this rare explosion.
Companies are currently working a Carbon Dioxide leak from a ruptured supply line at Kidde Fenwal on Main Street. A @MassDFS Hazmat Team is enroute to the scene. At this time there is currently no threat to the surrounding areas.
— Ashland Fire (@AshlandMAFire) August 18, 2020
This is an active scene, please avoid the area.
“It was what it appears to be a pretty large explosion underground that ripped up the pavement and it actually threw concrete, pavement and dirt into the neighborhood behind it,” said Lt. Iarussi. “I think some of the houses may have got some debris, but no injuries reported and we’re just trying to make it as safe as possible.”
No one was hurt from the explosion.
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