Plant explosion in Washington County leaves 5 hospitalized

Multiple people were injured after an explosion at a plant in Washington County on Thursday, authorities said. 

Dispatchers said a call about an explosion at Langeloth Metallurgical Company's plant in Smith Township came in around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday. 

Authorities originally said that four people were taken to the hospital, but plant owner Centerra Gold said a fifth person went on Friday morning. Two contractors, who had minor injuries, and three employees, who went as a precaution, have all been released, the company said. 

Smith Township Fire Chief Brandon Kriznik said the explosion happened during a chemical transfer, and there were no hazardous emissions. But neighbors from multiple communities said they felt the explosion. 

"Everything is good," Kriznik said. "There was nothing that was released that could harm anybody, and everyone can rest knowing that everything is good here."

Neighbors shaken by blast

The incident has left the small community shaken up both mentally and physically.

Neighbors said it sounded like a loud sort of whistle and then a boom, with many, including 10-year-old Kelsey Scariot, thinking it possibly came from a plane crash. There were also vibrations that knocked pictures off the walls and caused tiles to fall from the ceiling in Hank Massengill's living room.

Having lived in his home since the '70s, Massengill had never experienced something like this, the effects of an explosion down the street at Langeloth Metallurgical. 

The company said there was "an uncontained chemical reaction" next to the acid plant due to "an uncontrolled mixture of chemicals." Kriznik said the spill was contained on site. 

According to Centerra, there was "no significant environmental release" or danger to the community. However, they temporarily suspended operations.

"It always hurts when something happens in your house," Massengill said.

As for Massengill and his neighbors, they remain on edge.

"It just scared the hell out of everybody around here," said Travis King, who lives nearby.

Federal, state agencies investigating

Federal and state agencies said they're now investigating.   

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 spokesperson told KDKA the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is leading the investigation with its assistance, along with the help of Washington County Emergency Services and local fire departments.

A U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson told KDKA that OSHA has also opened an investigation into the incident.