1 Injured in Explosion at Industrial Adhesives & Coatings Plant

Nashua Fire and Rescue, and AMR ambulance responded to a chemical explosion in Nashua, NH, on Thursday morning.

Around 6:30 a.m., first responders began receiving multiple reports referencing an explosion and fire at Worthen Industries, an adhesives and coatings plant.

While en route responders were advised there was at least one person with burn injuries. Dispatch added additional apparatus, ambulances, and the NFR Special Hazards Unit.

When firefighters arrived they were advised by the plant manager that the fire was extinguished and the plant was evacuated.

Several people who had evacuated the building gathered outside where EMS was directed to evaluate them for any injuries. One man was transported with burns to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and was later taken by helicopter to a Boston hospital for further treatment. Boston, MA, is around 47 miles from Nashua.

Firefighters put on protective gear and a crew of four firefighters entered the building to confirm the fire was extinguished. Upon entering the building they advised the chemical involved and relayed that information to the hospital and the hazardous material crew.

Smoke ejection fans were set up in doors that were opened by crews and ventilation of the building began. A radio broadcast from the incident commander indicated that New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services should be notified.

Sources indicate the chemical was Methyl Ethyl Keytone. The chemical is not under a national ban, though it is banned in Southern California, as well as in some states that have strict VOC laws. 

The incident was classified as under control.