1 dead, 1 injured after explosion at chemical plant in Toronto
Posted September 8, 2021 11:13 am.
Last Updated September 8, 2021 4:28 pm.
One person has died, and another is in hospital with critical injuries after an explosion at a chemical plant in Toronto.
Emergency crews were called to 225 Wicksteed Avenue, near Don Mills Road and Overlea Boulevard, around 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday.
Paramedics tell 680 NEWS one person was pronounced dead at the scene. Another person has been taken to a trauma centre with what they “very critical injuries.” Paramedic deputy commander Shawn Staff said three other people were assessed on the scene, but not taken to hospital.
Toronto police say a chemical spill caused the fire, which was classified as a two-alarm at the time.
The plant has since been evacuated.
Fire chief Jim Jessop says it was a challenging fire to put out.
“Without question, our crews were met with a significant chemical fire,” Jessop said.
“It took us a while to extinguish it. These types of fires are a lot more challenging than the normal types that the public is used to because you have to pick a specific extinguishing agent in relation to the chemicals that are on fire to safely extinguish it and not make the situation worse.”
Jessop says an investigation is underway. Fire services said the fire has been classified as an industrial accident.
The Ministry of Labour will be investigating, police said.
Toronto Fire District Chief Stephan Powell said the explosion occurred at Siltech, a company that makes silicone products.
The explosion triggered a small fire that officials said has now been extinguished.
“This is a sad day,” Powell said.
A woman who answered the phone at Siltech confirmed the fire occurred there, but declined further comment.
EXPLOSION:
Wicksteed Av + Beth Nealson Dr
* 9:50 am *
– At chemical plant
– Reports of an explosion
– Plant evacuating
– 1 person injured
– Chemical spill has caused a fire
– Fire/Medics/Police en route
– Roads/Railway closed in area#GO1716582
^dh pic.twitter.com/cpgnvPNyF4— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) September 8, 2021
