Defiance, Ohio – One person sustained injuries following an explosion at an oil refinery in Defiance, Ohio, prompting an emergency response from local firefighters. The incident, which occurred at Glycerin Traders, caused significant damage to the property, although the details of the explosion remain unclear, as reported by CBS affiliate WTOL in Toledo.
Fire Chief Bill Wilkins noted the extent of the damage to the property but refrained from speculating on the cause of the explosion. The Defiance Police Department issued a social media warning urging the public to steer clear of the area due to the emergency situation unfolding at the refinery.
Residents and businesses in the vicinity reported hearing and feeling the explosion, with one eyewitness describing a large metal object being propelled several feet into the air. Another resident, Aaron Johnson, initially mistook the explosion for thunder before witnessing the collapse of buildings and the ensuing chaos.
Glycerin Traders, a facility that processes raw glycerin to produce various products, including crude glycerin and fatty acids, has not disclosed the severity of the injuries sustained by the individual involved in the explosion. The situation remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.