Explosion at waste and chemical recycling facility in Bridgeport injures 3
Police say two people were sent to the hospital with burns.
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Officials say an explosion has been reported at Tradebe Environmental Services on Bishop and East avenues.
Police say two people were sent to the hospital with burns.
Tradebe spokesperson Rich Bamberger told News 12 that three people were injured in the explosion.
"There was an incident at the Bridgeport facility Friday afternoon. We are cooperating and working closely with first responders and regulators," Bamberger said. "Our prayers are with the three people who were injured, and they are currently being evaluated at a local hospital."
Bridgeport police evacuated residents within a two-block radius of the facility.
"At this point, it seems like the fire is well-contained, it was a loud explosion, heard from blocks away, which was scary and unsettling for so many people especially seniors in the area," said Bridgeport Mayor Ganim.
Officials say the explosion is linked to a water-based chemical.
The director of health, Dr. Elizabeth Rivera-Rodriguez, advises people who live around the area to shelter in place.
"The plume is airborne, so we want our residents to take precautions. If you're inside, close all the windows and the vents to make sure that the air doesn't get in," says Rodriguez.
She advises residents to wear a mask for the next few days until the smoke clears out.
"Be aware of your surroundings. We know that the air is still going to be a little bit poor for the next day or so, so take precautions, wear some masks, it might be a little bit of an overkill for lack of a better word," says Rodriguez.
Rodriguez says following those measures will help prevent respiratory issues that could occur with the smoke.
Bridgeport fire worked with Stratford and Fairfield fire departments to extinguish the chemical fire.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the explosion.
