_http://www.whio.com/news/news/chemical-explosion-people-hurt-at-monroe-plant/nkxGJ/ said:
By Lauren Pack
Staff Writer
MONROE — A worker who was injured in a chemical explosion at a Reed Road manufacturing plant this afternoon has been flown by medical helicopter to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Multiple medical helicopters and fire and hazmat units from Monroe, Middletown and Liberty Twp. were on the scene of a reported chemical explosion at Alfrebro LLC, 1055 Reed Road, a flavor manufacturing company. Monroe dispatchers received two 911 calls at about 12:38 p.m., according to Fire Chief John Centers.
Centers said a flash fire/explosion occurred when a worker at the plant was transferring the chemical Acetal into a 55-gallon drum. He said during the transfer there was a chemical reaction and the drum exploded injuring the worker.
Centers did not say the nature of the workers injuries, however Monroe police Lt. Brian Curlis said earlier, “We have some burn injuries. And there are hazardous chemicals at the site.”
Alfrebro LLC is a manufacturer of natural extracts and aroma chemicals. WILD Flavors Inc., another company in the flavors industry, acquired Alfrebro LLC in 2013.
About a dozen workers stood outside across the street from the plant while fire and hazmat crews responded. Those workers have since been allowed to return to the facility.
We have a news crew on the scene and will bring you more updates.
