NEWBURYPORT, Mass – One worker is missing and four others are injured after a “violent explosion” at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Newburyport.
Newburyport firefighters responded to Seqens, a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at 9 Opportunity Way early Thursday morning.
Firefighters say there were five workers in the building at the time. Four workers were rushed to hospital and have been treated and released. A fifth worker remains missing.
According to Newburyport Fire, the explosion occurred shortly after 12:45 a.m. Thursday.
Upon arrival, crews saw heavy fire and smoke coming from the building. They saw that an industrial-sized tub from inside the building had been moved about 30 feet by the explosion, causing it to land in a nearby parking lot.
There is significant structural damage to the building, preventing firefighters and rescue teams from entering.
Video obtained by Boston 25 News captures the moment the building exploded, sending roaring flames that lit up the night sky
BREAKING: An explosion occurred overnight at Seqens, a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in #Newburyport. Firefighters say four workers were rushed to the hospital and have since been released. A fifth worker remains missing. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/TKeyljduzx
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) May 4, 2023
Firefighters say there is no danger to residents in the area, but the police department is asking people who work at this industrial park to avoid Opportunity Way while crews remain on the scene.
This is the same building where a series of explosions occurred in February 2020. Several explosions occurred at PCI Synthesis. No injuries were reported in that incident.
“We’ve been here before and I’ll just let you know it’s in the same area, but it’s all under investigation with the State Fire Marshal’s Office,” Newburyport Fire Chief Steve Bradbury said.
Bradbury calls this a “violent explosion” and it is not safe to enter the building.
The Newburyport Fire Department and mutual aid partners remain on scene.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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