BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — An explosion was reported at a waste management facility in Bridgeport, forcing officials to evacuate the surrounding area, officials said.
Bridgeport first responders said a major fire was reported at the Tradebe Environmental Services facility, located at 50 Cross Street just before 2 p.m. Friday. They said at least three people were taken to a local hospital, one with burns and two with smoke inhalation.
Two of the three injured have since been released from the hospital, town officials said Saturday morning.
Acting Fire Chief Lance Edwards said Saturday that a driver was delivering about 4,000 gallons of a low-grade oxidizer and had opened one of the valves, setting off multiple smaller explosions. The cause is still under investigation.
Officials evacuated a two-block radius and residents were alerted to shelter-in-place to avoid any smoke exposure. People were urged to wear masks.
Mayor Joe Ganim told local media at the scene that homes and businesses near the building were rattled by the explosion. He called it one of the biggest emergency responses he's seen since being mayor.
A spokesperson for Tradebe said they are cooperating with first responders and regulators after the incident.
"Our prayers are with the three people who were injured, and they are currently being evaluated at a local hospital," Rich Bamberger said in a statement.
Firefighters from Bridgeport, Stratford, and Fairfield battled the blaze, which officials said was under control. State and regional agencies were alerted to assist with air quality, run-off into the storm drains, and to assist with the incident, officials said.
The town's office of emergency management said that nearby residents and businesses were allowed to return Friday night after air monitoring determined the area to be safe.
Residents are warned against fishing in nearby brooks while water runoff is at high PH levels, officials said.
Multiple roads were closed Friday night but the only closures that remained Saturday morning were near the Tradebe facility, the town's office of emergency management said.
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