NEWBURYPORT, Mass – Emergency crews recovered the body of a worker missing after a “violent explosion” at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Newburyport. His body was recovered around 5:30 p.m
The dead worker is a Methuen man, according to a Boston 25 News source.
The man killed was one of five who were in the building at the time of the explosion. All workers are now accounted for, officials say. The other four workers were taken to local hospitals, where they were treated and released.
BREAKING: Boss says they’ve located the 5th worker. They are working on a plan to get the body out. The worker was on the ground floor. pic.twitter.com/Vkbrq80s4C
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) May 4, 2023
Newburyport firefighters responded to Seqens, a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at 9 Opportunity Way early Thursday morning.
According to Newburyport Fire, the explosion occurred shortly after 12:45 p.m
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 was significant structural damage to the building, preventing firefighters and rescue crews from entering it until Thursday evening.
Video obtained by Boston 25 News captures the moment the building exploded, with roaring flames lighting up the night sky.
Bystander video sent to Boston 25 by Newbury resident Justin Williams shows what he says is the explosion lighting up the night sky about a mile away. Moments later, a powerful boom is heard sweeping through the house.
:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/05-04-2023/t_9136cfa1a480472e928e2121d788a31c_name_file_1920x1080_1200_v3_1_.jpg "Worker killed in 'violent explosion' at Newburyport manufacturing facility - Boston 25 News 2")
Fire officials said there is no danger to residents in the area, but the police department is asking people who work in that industrial park to avoid Opportunity Way while crews remain on the scene.
Air meters installed around the perimeter of the scene did not find any hazardous materials in the air.
The fire chief says they plan to start entering the building shortly. The ceiling and walls are compromised. Emergency crews are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the day and likely into Friday.
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 cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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