December 03, 2008

Explosion and fire at Sparrows Point plant

It is reported that an explosion caused by a chemical reaction burned one person and caused a two alarm fire at a Cole Chemical building in the Sparrows Point Industrial Plant.

According to officials from the Baltimore County Fire Department, liquid steel came in contact with water causing an explosion around 12:30 Monday morning. The man handling the steel was burned 50% of his body, but is expected to recover.

The explosion apparently then caused a fire in the building. Hazmat crews were also called to the scene when four unknown drums were found. The hazmat was later canceled.

It is not known exactly how the liquid steel came in contact with the water or the condition of the victim, though we are told he will survive.