An explosion at the SPS Technologies facility in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, has forced the aerospace manufacturer to halt operations indefinitely as officials warned of potential toxic smoke.
The blaze, which initially started on Monday evening around 9:43 p.m. tore through the warehouse roof, triggering multiple explosions and sending thick smoke into the air. By 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, another explosion forced emergency teams to temporarily retreat. Authorities confirmed all 60 employees inside were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. The incident however elicited urgent safety measures across the region.
Schools, Transit Disrupted as Region Suffers From the Fallout
The effect of the fire was felt even beyond the industrial complex. Officials issued a “shelter-in-place” order for residents and businesses within a one-mile radius citing possible risks due to the hazardous smoke from the complex.
Meanwhile, SEPTA suspended service on the Lansdale/Doylestown, West Trenton, and Warminster regional rail lines near the Glenside Station. Bus routes in Abington also halted services on Tuesday morning.
Additionally, every school in the Abington, Cheltenham, and Jenkintown districts closed on Tuesday, including private and parochial schools.
Police Begins Investigations into SPS Technologies
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with Abington Township police and fire marshals leading the investigation. The 120 year old aerospace supplier formerly known as Standard Pressed Steel Company, has not commented on the incident.
With 68 fire companies responding overnight and into Tuesday, crews prioritized quickly containing the fire to reduce the impact on the community.
As the fire service battled the flames, officials revealed that firefighting materials could react with chemicals stored onsite, potentially creating toxic arsenic. Hazmat teams immediately began air quality tests, though preliminary results as at time of writing this report shows no signs of immediate threats.
Authorities also contained water runoff from firefighting efforts to prevent contamination of local creeks and drinking supplies. “We’ve ensured zero wastewater enters community waterways” an official commented.
Officials have urged residents to stay at home and await further updates until the issue is contained.
