People who live nearby took photos of employees evacuating the plant into a nearby field. (Photo by Christina Davis)
Cantonment, FL (WALA) - One person confirmed missing from explosion in Cantonment, Florida Posted: Aug 29, 2016 12:32 AM EST Updated: Aug 29, 2016 12:32 AM EST
By Renee Dials, FOX10 News Anchor
By Devan Coffaro, FOX10 News Reporter
Escambia County officials confirm one person is missing from an explosion at the Airgas facility in Cantonment. We’re hearing reports that a body was found at the facility, but that has not been confirmed.
Escambia County Florida Emergency Management Agency responded to a possible explosion on Old Chemstrand Road around 12:15 Sunday.
It was initially believed to be an explosion at the Ascend Performance Materials Chemical plant. However, it was later determined the explosion had occurred at the Airgas facility on the same road.
According to a post on Twitter by Ascend, the Airgas plant is adjacent to Ascend, and the company supplies nitrous oxide to the Airgas.
The area is surrounded by neighborhoods. Several people took pictures and photos of yellow smoke coming from the plant.
“It felt and sounded as if a bomb had been set off,” said Tres Barrclough, who lives nearby. “I actually thought the windows were going to blow out. I came outside to check and see if there had been anything that hit the house and there wasn't. That's when I heard an alarm go off from the Ascend Plant, which is about a half a mile away from here.”
The Escambia County Public Safety Director, Mike weaver, said the yellow smoke was nitrous oxide. He explained there is no danger to the public.
The EMA website states: "Crews are on scene assessing the situation. At this time there is not off-site impact, and evacuating or sheltering in place is not necessary."
As we’ve reported, authorities say there is still one man unaccounted for. That man’s family waited outside the plant for hours, anxious and praying for good news.
Another post from Ascend stated all of its personnel and contractors had been accounted for.
There has been no word from Airgas on the situation.
Authorities say the explosion at the Airgas Facility happened in an isolated area and had no effect on the rest of the plant. Authorities also say there are no more threats to the area, and employees at the manufacturing plants nearby will continue working.
“Everything that possibly could have happened, has occurred. All the gas has been released,” said Weaver. “There will not be any subsequent explosions from this incident.”
FOX10 has asked several different agencies what the cause of the explosion was, but we haven’t gotten an answer yet. We’re told the investigation has been turned over to the state fire marshal.
We will keep you updated both on air an online at more information becomes available.
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Statement from Ascend Performance Materials Regarding Event at Airgas Facility on August 28, 2016 Posted: Aug 28, 2016 8:44 PM EST Updated: Aug 28, 2016 8:44 PM EST
PENSACOLA, Fla. --(BUSINESS WIRE)
Today at approximately 12:10 p.m. central time, an explosion occurred at the Airgas facility located adjacent to an Ascend Performance Materials plant in Cantonment, Florida.
Ascend personnel and contractors are all safe and accounted for at this time. Ascend’s site operations continue to operate safety.
The Ascend plant supplies a mixture of gases to the Airgas plant, which Airgas uses to make nitrous oxide.
Ascend is currently working with local authorities and first responders. According to Escambia County Emergency Management officials, at this time there are no off-site impacts and area residents do not need to take any precautionary measures.
Ascend’s facilities located near the event may have sustained some damage, which Ascend will assess after the completion of all necessary emergency response procedures.
NOTE TO EDITORS: ASCEND PERFORMANCE MATERIALS is a trademark of Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC. This trademark has been registered in jurisdictions throughout the world, including the United States of America.
About Ascend Performance Materials
Ascend Performance Materials is a global premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. Ascend is one of the world’s largest integrated PA66 producers, with its own in-house manufacturing facilities, ensuring total security of supply. Ascend’s product range has earned it an unequalled reputation for quality, innovative techniques and an enlightened approach to business that expands the horizons of possibility. With eight global locations and more than 3,200 people working at our sites around the world, Ascend has the inspiration, the expertise, the people and the attitude toward innovation to consistently deliver the right solution for customers.
Together, we’re making a difference.
Together, we’re inspiring everyday.
More information about Ascend can be found at www.ascendmaterials.com
About SK Capital
SK Capital is a private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, chemicals and healthcare sectors. The firm’s purpose is to build strong and growing businesses that create substantial long-term economic value. SK utilizes its industry, operating and investment experience to identify opportunities to transform businesses into higher performing organizations with improved strategic positioning, growth and profitability as well as lower operating risk. SK Capital’s portfolio companies generate revenues of approximately $8 billion annually and employ approximately 9,000 people. The firm currently manages more than $1.5 billion of committed capital. For more information, please visit www.skcapitalpartners.com
Ascend Performance Materials
Alison Jahn, +1 713-210-9809
Director of Global Communications
ajahn@ascendmaterials.com