BALTIMORE, MD — Three contract workers were injured following an explosion at the Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant on Tuesday afternoon, with two of the individuals reported in critical condition, according to city officials.
Firefighters responded to the incident at approximately 1:07 p.m. at the facility located on Asiatic Avenue. Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace indicated that the explosion occurred during electrical work being conducted inside the plant.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, preliminary assessments suggest it may have resulted from a power arc or an electrical fuse failure. The injured contractors, who are not city employees, were engaged in a project aimed at enhancing the plant's electrical capacity.
Two of the injured workers were taken to local hospitals in critical condition, while a third sustained serious injuries. The Baltimore City Fire Department is leading the investigation, working alongside the Baltimore Police Department, the Department of Public Works, and other agencies.
Officials noted that there was a power interruption at the plant just before the explosion, prompting the facility to operate on backup generators as crews work to restore additional temporary power.
Although fire crews detected hydrogen sulfide, commonly referred to as sewer gas, within a section of the plant, they established a safety perimeter as a precaution while the gas dissipates naturally. At this time, there is no threat to public safety.
Mayor Brandon Scott has expressed his concern and urged residents to keep the injured workers and their families in their thoughts. Despite the incident, wastewater treatment operations continue to function normally, and there is no disruption to customer service.
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing, and officials have stated that the area must be secured before a thorough examination can take place.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WJLA (source).
0 Comments
Log in to join the conversation.