At Least One Dead, 13 Injured After Metal Plant Explosion in Bedford, Ohio

Smoke rises from a metal manufacturing plant after an explosion in Bedford, Ohio, on Feb. 20, 2023. Eric Downing/Reuters

At least one person has died and 13 other people injured after two explosions occurred at a metal manufacturing plant on Monday in Oakwood Village of Bedford, Ohio.

The I. Schumann and Co. metals plant makes copper, brass, and bronze alloys.

Witnesses told News 5 Cleveland that there were two explosions—a small one first, and the a second stronger one around 2:30 p.m.

The explosions took place about 70 miles north of East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailed releasing toxic chemicals on Feb. 3. It is also about 15 miles southeast of Cleveland.

In a statement shortly after the explosions, I. Schumann and Co. said the incident resulted in “injuries to employees.” It added that the damage to the facility was “significant” and that the cause of explosion is unclear.

“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,” the family-owned factory said in a statement.

Debris covers the ground and nearby cars after an explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. metals plant in Bedford, Ohio, on Feb. 20, 2023. Michael Swensen/Getty Images

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed one death from the incident.

The victim is identified as 46-year-old Steve Mullins of North Ridgeville. WKYC reported that Mullins was a maintenance worker at the plant.

A large amount of smoke from the fire that broke out following the explosion could be seen billowing into the sky as fire departments throughout northeast Ohio responded to the incident.

Broadview Heights Fire Department said on Facebook there has been reports of a “burning oil” smell in some areas, which is “likely from the fire scene.” It added, “We are likely to notice this odor for a while yet.”

Two Ohio EPA Emergency Response workers access the creek near an explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. metals plant in Bedford, Ohio, on Feb. 20, 2023. Michael Swensen/Getty Images

Oakwood Fire Department Captain Brian DiRocco on Monday afternoon told reporters on the scene that 13 of those injured were taken to hospital. Many of them sustained burn wounds, and one person was being treated on site.

One person was taken by LifeFlight helicopter and flown to a hospital for treatment, reported News 5 Cleveland.

The outlet reported that the explosion caused the brick wall of the metals building to be “completely blown away,” and that bricks were thrown across the parking block.

Debris covers the ground and nearby cars after an explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. metals plant in Bedford, Ohio, on Feb. 20, 2023. Michael Swensen/Getty Images

All of those injured were on site due to the fire inside the building, DiRocco said, adding that no one was injured due to falling debris.

“The people were mostly walking wounded,” DiRocco said. “I’m sure there’s a lot of people that work here that were in shock.”

DiRocco said he had inspected the site before and found it a safe place, “except for the fact that it’s a foundry.” He noted that there is “always an inherent danger” due to the presence of molten metal.

He added the facility doesn’t have a history of fire code violations.

“Our efforts now are focused on supporting the first responders who came on scene quickly to help our employees,” I. Schumann and Co. said in its statement. “The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we commit to ensuring they receive the medical care they need. ... Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.”