Reports said one person was missing after the two-alarm fire and blast at the Yenkin-Majestic Paints plant.

John S. Forrester, former Managing Editor

April 8, 2021

1 Min Read
170478442_3516181741819940_5525887753913619973_n.jpg
Image courtesy of Columbus Division of Fire on Facebook

Eight people were injured and one worker was killed in an explosion and two-alarm fire in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Yenkin-Majestic Paint Corp. production plant in Columbus, OH, local news organizations reported. 

About 40 workers were present in the facility when the explosion occured around midnight, coverage by NBC News said. Initial reports said one person was missing. After about five hours, crews later found the body of 44-year-old press room supervisor Wendell Light, a fire offical told the broadcaster.

Evacuations were ordered for some structures near the plant because of hazardous chemicals inside the facility, according to Cleveland.com. 

“First responding companies were met by employees exiting the building, five of them injured and taken to local hospitals. Two other employees were trapped inside the building and had to be extricated and transported in critical condition,” the City of Columbus Division of Fire posted on Facebook.

At 5:15 a.m., the fire department wrote that the fire was contained, but black smoke was still visible as some product continued to burn.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire is underway.

Formed in 1920, Yenkin-Majestic Paint manufactures paints, industrial coatings, and OPC polymers, its website states. The firm is based in Columbus.

About the Author(s)

John S. Forrester

former Managing Editor, Powder & Bulk Solids

John S. Forrester is the former managing editor of Powder & Bulk Solids.

Sign up for the Powder & Bulk Solids Weekly newsletter.

You May Also Like