By Susannah Sudborough
masslive.com
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The chemical production plant in East Providence where an explosion occurred Wednesday night has been stabilized, and all immediate hazards have been neutralized, the East Providence Fire Department announced.
The 13 Aspen Aerogels employees who were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the incident have all been released as of Thursday afternoon, fire officials said in a press release.
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Police and firefighters responded to the Rhode Island facility shortly after 8 p.m. after receiving reports of an explosion, East Providence police said previously. The blast was caused by a piece of manufacturing machinery, which was left significantly damaged, according to East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva.
No one was killed in the explosion, but a mass casualty event was declared to activate mutual aid services throughout the region and put hospitals on notice.
The East Providence Fire Department, Building Inspector’s Office and their regulatory partners are now conducting “a comprehensive post-incident evaluation,” fire officials said. The evaluation will include an assessment of the affected area, the facility’s emergency plans and response efforts following the explosion.
Operations at the plant remain paused pending the outcome of the evaluation.
“Company officials have continued to work collaboratively with public safety and regulatory partners throughout the response and stabilization process,” fire officials wrote.
Aspen Aerogels is headquartered in Northborough, Massachusetts. The East Providence facility manufactures thermal insulation products.
Aspen Aerogels did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.
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