MARCH 9, 2015
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNEWYORK)
Four people were injured — one of whom was missing for hours
— after a fire broke out late Monday afternoon at a warehouse reportedly used
by a chemical tank container company in Newark.
This is what the webpages of this company state regarding
the Newark Terminal:
The Boasso Newark
Terminal offers empty & loaded handling, cleaning, heating, pressure &
statutory testing, modification, empty & loaded storage, and even full
refurbishment of 20′ ISO Tank Containers. All work is performed by trained
mechanics, employing the latest techniques and instruments so even the most rigid
quality standards are met. For additional information, please contact Kristian
Backhouse.
The Newark Terminal
also offers local and long haul trucking of 20′ ISO Tank Containers within the
48 contiguous states. With the goal of satisfying the specific requirements of
each customer and plant, our professional drivers and dispatchers operate in
tandem round the clock.
As Joe Biermann reported from Chopper 2, the fire broke out
at 5:14 p.m. after an explosion at the warehouse at the Boasso America Company,
at 80 Doremus Ave. in Newark, near Exit 15E on the New Jersey Turnpike. The
blaze was raised to a second alarm.
A whole side of the two- or three-story industrial building
collapsed as a result of the explosion, WCBS 880’s Marla Diamond reported.
Flames were shooting from the roof and black smoke was pouring into the air.
Four people were injured in the fire, officials told CBS2.
Three of the injured people were taken University Hospital in Newark, and the
third was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, officials said.
Their conditions were not immediately learned.
One of the injured people taken to University Hospital was
missing until finally being found inside at 8:40 p.m., officials said.
The building housed a chemical company, and reportedly
housed numerous chemicals as well as propane. Several tanks were also being stored in the
area around the building.
Fire crews were told to stand back from the immediate area,
but officials said chemicals were not burning.
The first fire truck at the scene mounted the tower ladder
raised to keep the firefighters at a safe distance.
The building sustained a partial roof collapse and severe damage.
The cause of the fire was not immediately learned. By 7:20
p.m., the fire was largely knocked down, but was not under control.
Public Service Electric & Gas was also on the scene.
By 11 pm, the fire is mostly extinguished. The fire
department and the Department of Environmental Protection are on the scene
identifying the chemicals involved.
We would not be surprised if the fire and explosion was caused by the welding of containers that were not properly cleaned or when flammable gases were ignited by a sparking or heat source.
We would not be surprised if the fire and explosion was caused by the welding of containers that were not properly cleaned or when flammable gases were ignited by a sparking or heat source.
