Thursday, March 12, 2015

MULTIPLE EXPLOSIONS AND FIRES AT BRENT INDUSTRIES IN BRENT, ALABAMA KILL 1 WORKER AND INJURE 6 OTHERS
















The initial explosion occurred at 1:45 p.m.,on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 followed by at least four more, which sent a thick cloud of black smoke into the air that could be seen from miles

MARCH 12, 2015

BRENT, ALABAMA

One worker is dead and several others injured following multiple explosions at Brent Industries in Bibb County.

The initial explosion occurred at 1:45 p.m., followed by at least four more, which sent a thick cloud of black smoke into the air that could be seen for miles, according to a report from the Tuscaloosa News. Emergency crews were dispatched from neighboring Tuscaloosa, Shelby and Chilton Counties to fight the blaze.

Multiple reports also confirmed as of Thursday morning that Keith Leverette, 35, was the only known death due to the explosion.  Leverette was one of the employees in the plant who initially remained unaccounted for after the first explosion. The company, located on South Scottsville Road since 1977, employs around 30 people.

It now handles the manufacturing and reconditioning of wiping materials, safety wear, absorbents and filtration materials, according to the company's website. Its products include absorbent pads, cotton polypropylene and polyester socks, oil mats, and work gloves, among other items.

Five or six other workers were taken to nearby hospitals to be treated for chemical burns, but none of the burning chemicals around the scene of the fires posed a threat to the safety of the community, the report said, citing statements from Brent Police Chief Terry Nichols.

The manufacturing and recycling plant reportedly reconditions work gloves and has been at its South Scottsville Road location since 1977. Prior to the explosion, the company employed around 30 people.

The cause of the explosion was still undetermined as of Wednesday night.  According to witnesses, the fire started in the docking area and spread to the rest of the buildings through the massive explosions.  Obviously they were storing flammable material throughout this plant.  One former employee alleged on camera that he had warned people that this could happen.  The investigation continues.  This business is a total loss.  Truly incredible destruction; it points to lack of proper safety for sure.
Source:www.abc3340.com

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EXPLOSION AND MASSIVE FIRE AT BRENT INDUSTRIES IN BRENT, ALABAMA; 1 WORKER MISSING

MARCH 11, 2015

BRENT, AL (WBRC) 

A spokesperson for the Bibb County Sheriff's Office confirms an explosion at a business in Brent.

Authorities said the explosion happened around 1:55 p.m. at Brent Industries at 695 South Scottsville Road off of Highway 5.  Bibb County EMA Director Wayne Hayes said four fire departments have responded. He does not have an injury report at this time but said one person is unaccounted for.

Two people at nearby businesses reported to us that they see a lot of black smoke. One person at the post office reports the windows rattled at the time of the explosion.

The cause of the blast is unknown at this time.

Firefighters are being kept a safe distance away from the fire due to the possibility of more explosions. 
Source: www.myfoxal.com