Chemical Tanker Explosion Leaves 1 Person with Critical Burns

A chemical explosion earlier today in Macedonia, OH resulted in three people injured, one with critical burns, according to fire officials.

The road was closed in both directions near Royal Chemical Co., where the incident occurred.

Macedonia firefighters responded to the report of a tanker truck explosion, Macedonia Fire Chief Brian Ripley told reporters Wednesday afternoon.

When first responders arrived on the scene around 11:40 a.m., they found a tanker truck torn in half and liquid spilling out, ABC News 5 Cleveland reported.

“We know it involves sodium hydroxide,” which is highly corrosive but not flammable, Ripley said. “We’re not exactly sure what happened yet.”

Ripley said the tanker truck that exploded was parked next to two others outside the building, while it was being loaded. The driver of the truck parked in between the two others was “sprayed with product,” suffering “critical, life-threatening burns” and was transported to a Cleveland hospital, he said.

Fire officials believe the sodium hydroxide made its way to a small creek. The Summit County Hazmat team has been dispatched to clean up and try to prevent further spread.

All three injured were taken to the hospital.

There are conflicting reports about the cause.