Two employees of PPG Industries' Springdale plant were taken to the hospital following an equipment malfunction that created a sound resembling an explosion yesterday afternoon. According to a report by WPXI, emergency crews arrived at the plant on the 100 block of Colfax Street around 12:50 p.m. The facility was evacuated as a safety measure. A PPG spokesperson stated that the injured employees were evaluated for minor injuries.
Residents in the vicinity of the facility reported a loud "boom" that disturbed the peace of their neighborhood. Alexis Mangol, a neighbor, detailed her experience as per CBS News Pittsburgh, saying, "I was just sitting at home watching a movie, and the next thing I know I hear a big deep boom ... All the pictures on my walls are shaking. My dog jumps up, my kids are scared." Mangol also observed what seemed like a foggy condition emanating from the plant post-incident, which added to the anxiety of the community.
Paul Holcomb, the site manager for PPG Industries, confirmed the equipment malfunction and assured that the situation was contained with no chemical release. He clarified that while there was significant noise and minimal site damage, the facility's safety containment systems functioned properly, mitigating potential risk to neighboring areas.
While the Springdale fire department remains on-site, other crews have been released. Holcomb stated the plant has resumed operations but is still investigating the cause of the malfunction.
