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
//---------------------------------------//
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