One in hospital, 2 released after waste management blast
Authorities are investigating an explosion and large fire Friday afternoon at a waste management facility in Bridgeport that initially sent three people to the hospital.
By Saturday, two of the three injured people had been discharged from Bridgeport Hospital, and one of the people was admitted to the hospital, according to Scott Appleby, director of the Bridgeport’s Emergency Operation Center.
“Currently, air monitoring has determined the area remains safe after yesterday’s explosion at the Tradebe facility and all residents and businesses were allowed back into the area last night,” Appleby said in an email.
“Water runoff is being constantly monitored and the public has been advised that due to high PH levels that fishing in nearby brooks should not occur. Once levels reach a lower-level fishing in nearby brooks could continue,” he said.
According to Acting Fire Chief Edwards, the cause of the fire was still being investigated Friday but it looked as if there was a “delivery of a low-grade oxidizer, about 4,000 gallons. It appears the driver opened one of the valves and there was a large explosion which trigger multiple smaller explosions. Again, this is an active investigation updates will follow, when available.”
The explosion and subsequent fire was reported shortly before 2 p.m. at Tradebe, located at 50-57 Cross St., according to Appleby.
Appleby said in the afternoon hours Friday that the Bridgeport Fire Department was working to “determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire.”
Of the three people who were taken to the hospital following the explosion, including one victim who suffered burns, two who were treated for smoke inhalation.
According to its website, Tradebe is a sustainable waste management company that deals with chemical reuse, hazardous waste disposal and other related services. It has more than 30 locations scattered across the country.